Resorts World Seeks Uniform Tax Structure for New York Downstate Casinos

Resorts World New York City has clarified its position on casino taxation rates, confirming it seeks a standardized tax structure across all downstate operators once competing casinos begin operations, rather than requesting reductions to its own proposed rates.

The clarification comes from the company’s official supplemental application for a commercial gaming license submitted in October, which counters recent reports suggesting the operator had lobbied for lower tax rates after filing its initial proposal.

Proposed Tax Structure Details

In its application, Resorts World proposed paying 56% on slot machines and 30% on table games, rates significantly above New York’s state minimums of 25% and 10% respectively. By comparison, rival proposals from Metropolitan Park and Bally’s Bronx both set table-game taxes at the 10% minimum, with Metropolitan Park proposing 25% on slots and Bally’s 30%.

The company’s supplemental filing includes a provision stating it would accept the higher rates until competing casinos begin operations, but requests the state apply uniform tax rates across all operators once additional projects come online.

“If other Downstate Licensees open with lower tax rates on slots or tables, RWNYC’s tax rate should also be lowered because all proposed sites are close together and the same tax rate should apply to maintain a level playing field and avoid cannibalization,” the company stated in its application.

Timeline and Regulatory Approval

Resorts World emphasized it has no issue paying the 56% and 30% rates until Metropolitan Park and Bally’s open their casinos, which both developers expect to launch by 2030. The company has indicated it could open full casino operations by March 2026 if awarded a license.

All three bids cleared a significant milestone last week when the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board approved them. The final selection now rests with the New York State Gaming Commission, which is expected to make its decision before year-end.

Local Business Support

Local business leaders have expressed support for Resorts World’s proposal. Tom Grech, president and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, called the company "an incredible partner to all of Queens," noting that "the billions of dollars in tax revenue that will build on their status as the state’s No. 1 taxpayer."

Current Tax Framework

New York’s four upstate casinos currently pay a uniform 10% tax rate on table games. A 2021 law change allowed these operators to petition for slot-tax reductions to 30%, which all four casinos have since adopted.

The standardized tax debate reflects broader concerns about competitive balance among closely located downstate casino proposals, all vying for the same metropolitan market share.

Source: Yogonet