Resorts World New York City celebrated the graduation of its largest-ever winter cohort from the Introduction to Gaming workforce development program on February 28, marking another milestone in the company’s ongoing investment in career opportunities for local residents.

Developed in partnership with York College CUNY and expanded to Kingsborough Community College, the Introduction to Gaming program provides participants with foundational training in table games operations, customer service, and the hospitality industry. The program began in 2022 and is designed to prepare graduates for careers in the gaming and hospitality sectors, while creating pathways to good-paying jobs in Queens. RWNYC has now helped train more than 350 local residents in gaming operations through the initiative.

The graduation ceremony brought together community leaders, program partners, and elected officials who have championed workforce development and educational opportunity across Southeast Queens.

“This program reflects Resorts World’s deep commitment to investing in the people and communities that make Queens so vibrant,” said Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East. “Through partnerships with institutions like York College and Kingsborough Community College, we’re helping local residents gain the skills they need to build lasting careers in the gaming and hospitality industries.”

“Programs like Introduction to Gaming help connect our community members with meaningful career opportunities,” said State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Chair of the New York State Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering. “I’m proud to support initiatives that strengthen workforce development in Queens and create pathways to long careers and upward mobility for our residents.”

“Workforce training programs like the ‘Introduction to Gaming’ initiative show what’s possible when our institutions work together to create real opportunities for local residents. Through their partnership with York College and Kingsborough Community College, Resorts World continues to lead the way in helping Southeast Queens residents gain the skills they need to support their families by building lasting careers,” said New York State Senator Leroy Comrie.

NYS Assemblywoman Alicia L. Hyndman said, “As Chair of the Assembly Committee on Higher Education, I am proud to see our CUNY institutions – York College and Kingsborough—partnering with local industry to create tangible results.” This program is a prime example of how workforce development can bridge the gap between classroom learning and career success. We aren’t just training individuals for jobs; we are building high-road career pathways that provide our neighbors in Queens with the tools to thrive and stay in their communities.”

The Winter 2026 Introduction to Gaming Operations graduating class (the largest in program history) celebrates at Resorts World New York City on February 28, 2026.
The Introduction to Gaming program is part of RW Gives, Resorts World’s commitment to community investment and workforce development throughout Queens.

In a month of exciting promotions, this month’s marquee moment is the “Race to Riches” Maserati Drawing on Saturday, March 28, where one lucky winner will choose between driving home in a brand new 2026 Maserati Grecale or taking home $50,000 in cash.

Guests can earn unlimited entries all month long at 100 points each, every day in March. Additional ways to rack up entries include mystery bonus entries on Mondays, free five Happy Hour Bonus Entries every Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Double Entries every Sunday. Guests can print their entries and drop them into the drawing drum in front of Bar 360 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on March 28.

For a full list of Resorts World New York City’s March promotions, visit: RWNYC promotions

On the entertainment side, March kicks off with a standout celebration: RWNYC will celebrate International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8 with a special DJ performance from legendary hip-hop artist MC Lyte – one of the most influential solo female artists in the genre’s history. The night opens with Ralph McDaniels, the legendary founder of Video Music Box, the show that introduced hip-hop to television. Together, they make for an unforgettable evening.

For a full list of March entertainment, click to visit: RWNYC Entertainment

March promises nonstop excitement at New York City’s premier gaming and entertainment destination. Resorts World New York City continues to redefine gaming and entertainment in Queens, offering guests world-class promotions, dining, nightlife, and one-of-a-kind experiences all under one roof. From the gaming floor to the stage, RWNYC is the only place in New York City where the excitement never stops – March is just the latest chapter.

About Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) is the Big Apple’s only casino-hotel and has generated nearly $5 billion for the State’s public education system since 2011. RWNYC fulfils the decades-long mission to turn the historic Aqueduct Racetrack into a gaming destination with approximately 5,500 slot machines and electronic table games. An average 5 million guests pass through RWNYC’s doors annually, where they enjoy an extraordinary gaming, entertainment, and dining experience. In 2021, the 400-room Hyatt Regency JFK Airport at Resorts World New York City opened its doors — bringing the total investment at the site to $1.1 billion. Guests choose from several dining options, including the recently reopened RW Prime and the Good Friends Noodle House.

RWNYC is operated by the Genting Group, a global company founded in 1965, with destination resort operations in the Catskills, Hudson Valley, Las Vegas, Bimini, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Genting has more than 50 years of experience in the travel and leisure industry and collectively employs approximately 30,000 people while offering an unparalleled resort experience to over 50 million visitors a year worldwide.

Resorts World New York City kicked off Lunar New Year with excitement, luck, and prosperity, as the Big Apple’s only casino expands its celebrations for 2026. The Year of the Horse stands to be a thrilling one for Resorts World, its team members across New York State, and the local community as each property has new, exciting offerings in store. As we celebrate the Year of the Horse, we honor a powerful symbol in Chinese culture representing strength, perseverance, confidence, and forward momentum. The horse embodies progress achieved through hard work and determination, always moving forward with energy and purpose.

“Lunar New Year is one of Resorts World’s most exciting celebrations of the year, as we recognize the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities that make New York so great,” said Michelle Stoddart, SVP Community Development, Resorts World New York City. “This year calls for us to expand our celebrations, especially here in New York City, as we also build out our new, world-class integrated resort. It has been incredible to usher in the Year of the Horse with our neighbors.”
The festivities officially began when the Grand Lobby hosted the annual Blessing Ceremony Lion Dance, on Tuesday, February 17th. This year’s celebration featured an all-time high of eight lions with at least 18 performers, including instrument players and a masked Buddha.

Resorts World executives, led by Robert DeSalvio, President, Genting Americas East, began with the eye-dotting ceremony, after which the lion’s awakening and dance occurred. The lions proceeded into the casino, where they blessed the gaming floors and Hyatt Regency. Resorts World Executives were joined by Ms. Norhalilah Abdul Jalil, Consul General of Malaysia New York, Senator Leroy Comrie, Assemblyman David Weprin, Community Board 10 Chair Betty Braton and representatives of Congressman Gregory Meeks, Governor Kathy Hochul, and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.

Resorts World New York City leadership, team members, and community partners gather in the Grand Lobby to celebrate Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Horse.

To continue the celebrations, the Grand Lobby of Resorts World New York City will be decorated in a traditional Lunar New Year theme from now through March 4th. That will include a horse tribute, flowers, lanterns, gold coins, and cherry blossom trees. The decor is meant to symbolize prosperity, good fortune, happiness, and popularity.

Traditional lion dancers gather in the Grand Lobby at Resorts World New York City to welcome the Year of the Horse.

Throughout the month, Resorts World New York City will hold a host of promotions to celebrate Lunar New Year. For a full list, click here.

Through its Lunar New Year celebrations, Resorts World New York City aims to foster meaningful connections with the local AAPI community, highlighting the company’s dedication to inclusivity, mutual respect, and cultural exchange.

 Resorts World New York City today released its events and promotions schedule for February 2026, headlined by the spectacular $200,000 Car & Cash Weekend at the end of the month, featuring a new Range Rover Evoque and tens of thousands of dollars in cash prizes. The property will also welcome back its celebrated Sounds of the City showcase, giving aspiring performers the chance to take the Bar 360 stage alongside live bands, plus specialty nights featuring salsa, merengue, and country music throughout the month.

 The Year of the Horse will kick off at Resorts World New York City on Tuesday, February 17^th with an expanded Lunar New Year celebration. What’s normally a staple of Lunar New Year celebrations in New York City will go to the next level with a record eight lions parading through the Queens casino. The performance will celebrate New York City’s rich AAPI culture as it ushers in a year of prosperity and luck. For more information, click here. 

Some players won’t have that long to see the prosperity. That’s because Resorts World New York City will host a $200,000 Car & Cash Weekend from February 27 to 28, with back-to-back drawings at 8 p.m. each night. The festivities begin on Friday, February 27^th, when the $150,000 Gong Xi Fa Cai Cash Drawing awards nearly $70,000 cash to first place. Then, Saturday night is headlined by the Hearts of Gold Range Rover Drawing, where one winner will go home in a 2026 Evoque. Fourteen additional winners across both nights share $84,000 in cash prizes. 

That’s not the only opportunity to take home a big prize this month. The Lunar New Year will bring even more prosperity with the $21,000 Lucky Horse Red Envelope Giveaway from Tuesday, February 17^ththrough Monday, February 23^rd. Gamers who score 68 points on an electronic table game any of those days, from 2 to 6 p.m., can gain one red envelope. Just print your voucher at any second-floor slot machine, then head over to the Baccarat Club on the same level. But don’t wait until the last minute! Red envelopes are limited to the first 100 guests who earn and print each day. 

For a full list of promotions, click here.

Resorts World New York City brings a diverse lineup of live entertainment to Bar 360 and RW Prime throughout February, with the return of the popular Sounds of the City showcase on February 4, 11, 18, and 25. These special nights feature Priceless, JC Keys & Friends, and Deverne and The Vintage Soul, Out of the Blue inviting singers from across the city to perform on stage. Aspiring vocalists can speak directly with the bands on showcase nights to arrange their own performance date, creating a dynamic live talent experience every week.

Valentine’s Day gets the special treatment on Friday, February 14, when Priceless returns to Bar 360 at 8 p.m., performing romantic favorites and songs perfect for couples celebrating their special day.

For a full list of events and concerts, click here.

Resorts World New York City is the only casino in the five boroughs, offering over 5,500 video lottery terminals and electronic table games to 5 million guests annually. This property provides an unparalleled gaming and entertainment experience while generating nearly $5 billion for the State’s education system. The property features two unique levels of gaming, Times Square Casino and Fifth Avenue Casino include several high-limit rooms for Platinum and Black Card members. Conveniently located minutes away from JFK Airport, it’s easily accessible by the A Train, Q37 bus, and LIRR to Jamaica Station. 

Compete for $10,000 Cash in Frosty Friday Tournaments, Join Sounds of the City Interactive Performances, and Win a BMW X1 SUV this January

Resorts World New York City welcomes the new year with an action-packed January featuring the month’s marquee promotion: the $10,000 Frosty Friday Delight Cash Slot Tournaments.

Earn 500 points on the promotional day to gain an entry into the Slot Tournament.

The top 10 scores win a share of $3,100 in Free Slot Play, with $1,000 going to First Place. Session winners also get $50 Free Slot Play. The top five combined scores across the month win cash prizes, awarded at 8:30pm that night. Print your tournament voucher at any Neon promotional kiosk after 4 p.m. and get spinning.

The excitement continues with the Countdown to Luxury BMW Drawing on Saturday, January 31 at 4 p.m., where one lucky guest will win a 2026 X1 SUV or $1,000 in cash. Guests can earn unlimited entries at 100 points each day in January, with mystery bonus entries available on Mondays, five free Happy Hour bonus entries every Friday from 4 to 5 p.m., and double entries every Sunday. All entries must be printed and dropped off at the drum in front of Bar 360 beginning at 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 31.

On Sunday, January 18, competitive players can test their skills in the $16,000 Earn & Win Electronic Baccarat Tournament from 2 to 6:30 p.m. The first-place winner in each of the first six sessions will receive $1,000 cash, and the top 10 scores of each session will advance to the final round. Entry is limited to the first 60 players who earn, print, and register at the tournament by earning 100 points playing any electronic table game.

Other promotions include:

• $15,000 Golden 2026 Cash Drawing – Sundays, January 11 & 25, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• $60,000 Ski Into Your Free Slot Play Drawings – Every Thursday, six winners per hour from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., with one winner of $1,000 Free Slot Play every hour
• New Members Offer – Swipe and win up to $500 Free Slot Play, plus automatic entry for a trip to Bimini Bahamas
• Prime 55 – Every Tuesday, members 55+ can win up to $1,000 in tournament prizes

For a full list of promotions, click here.

Sounds of the City Series Features Interactive Performance Nights and Special Themed Events!

This month, Resorts World NYC debuts an exciting new concept with Sounds of the City Interactive Performance Nights on January 14 and 21, starting at 8 p.m. at Bar 360. These aren’t karaoke nights – they’re live collaboration experiences where performers from around the neighborhood take the stage to perform songs alongside professional bands JC Keys & Friends on January 14 and Deverne and the Vintage Soul on January 21. Guests interested in performing with the band should connect with them on those specific nights to audition for a later date and future performance. On January 28, Sounds of the City presents a Greek Night featuring Fantasia Music with traditional Bouzouki music.

For a full list of entertainment, click here.

Resorts World today announced its commitment as a Community Partner participant of the 2025 Too Young to Bet Campaign, a newly-introduced participation option for the annual Gift Responsibly Campaign. Resorts World’s three New York State properties, New York City, Catskills and Hudson Valley, join lotteries and community organizations across North America and around the world to raise awareness about the risks of underage gambling. The campaign is organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and supported by the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL).

Resorts World is proud to sign on to the 2025 Too Young to Bet Campaign as a Community Partner participant,” said Meghan Taylor, SVP Government Affairs & Public Relations, Genting New York.  “In collaboration with the campaign, Resorts World will work to promote awareness about the risks of underage gambling, engage families and community members in conversations about responsible play, and support educational efforts that help protect our youth. We remain committed to fostering a safe, informed environment, and to partnering with organizations dedicated to preventing underage gambling across our community.”

“Youth gambling is a growing risk that too often goes overlooked. The Too Young to Bet Campaign plays a vital role in helping families and communities understand the importance of keeping gambling products out of kids’ hands,” said Derek Longmeier, President of NCPG’s Board of Directors. “We’re grateful to Resorts World for joining this effort and working to expand education and awareness to protect young people from gambling-related harm.”

Campaign Activities

• Community Partner participant of the 2025 Gift Responsibly and Too Young to Bet Campaign.
• Raise awareness about the campaign and its educational goals.
• Promotion of responsible gambling, risks of underage gambling, youth gambling stats, and parental awareness tips on social media.
• Post-campaign survey.

About Resorts World Catskills

Resorts World Catskills (RWC) Hotel and Casino Resort offers guests a best-in-class gaming, entertainment, and dining experience. Built on the site of the historic Concord Hotel, RWC’s 2018 opening has helped usher in the revival of the Catskills Mountains as one of New York State’s premier destinations. Ranked best Catskills hotel and resort by U.S. News, RWC boasts more than 100,000-square-feet of gaming floor; 10 bar and restaurant options including celebrity chef Scott Conant’s Italian steakhouse Cellaio; and the 2,500-seat RW Epicenter. In 2023, RWC completed a $40 million, Reese Jones-designed renovation of the 18-hole Monster golf course. Taxes from Resorts Worlds’ three New York properties have sent more than $4.5 billion to the state’s public education fund. RWC is operated by the Genting Group, a global company founded in 1965, with destination resorts in New York City, Hudson Valley, Las Vegas, Bimini, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Genting has more than 50 years of experience in the travel and leisure industry and collectively employs approximately 30,000 people while offering an unparalleled resort experience to over 50 million visitors a year worldwide.

About Resorts World Hudson Valley
Resorts World Hudson Valley (RWHV) is New York State’s newest and most exciting gaming destination. Opened inside the Newburgh Mall in December 2022 after $50 million in renovations, RWHV offers gamers approximately 1,200 slot and electronic table gaming options across a 60,000-square-foot floor. Bar 360 has become a regional entertainment attraction that serves Newburgh Brewing Co.’s exclusive MonsterPitBoss IPA. THE KITCHEN offers guests a fresh and vibrant fast-casual dining experience with a soulful approach to Italian and American cuisines by renowned celebrity chef Scott Conant. Taxes from Resorts Worlds’ three New York properties have sent more than $4.5 billion to the state’s public education fund. RWHV is operated by the Genting Group, a global company founded in 1965, operating destination resorts in New York City, Catskills, Las Vegas, Bimini, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Genting has more than 50 years of experience in the travel and leisure industry and collectively employs approximately 30,000 people while offering an unparalleled resort experience to over 50 million visitors a year worldwide.

About the National Council on Problem Gambling

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is neutral on legalized gambling. Based in Washington DC, NCPG is the only national nonprofit organization that seeks to minimize the economic and social costs associated with gambling addiction. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which offers hope and help without stigma or shame. Call 1-800-522-4700, text 800GAM, or visit www.ncpgambling.org/chat. Help is available 24/7 – it is free and confidential.

With that final approval, Resorts World plans to have hundreds of table games available by the end of March, 2026.

“Resorts World New York City’s journey to this historic moment represents more than 15 years of work to generate jobs, revenue, and opportunities for our neighbors,” said Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East. “Resorts World New York City’s $7.5 billion proposal is the only bid that can expand operations in just 90 days, generating billions in new revenue for mass transit and public education over the next four years. We are thankful the Gaming Facility Location Board recognized the tremendous economic impact we will have for New York State.”

RWNYC’s proposed expansion includes a $5.5 billion physical investment in the 72-acre Aqueduct site, adding:

• • A 500,000-square-foot gaming floor with 6,000 slot machines and 800 live table games, for a total 10,800 gaming positions
  • A total 2,000 hotel rooms, building on the 400 existing units at the Hyatt Regency
  • A new 7,000-seat multipurpose entertainment venue
  • More than 7,000 parking spaces, a majority of which will be covered
  • More than 12 acres of new public green space

RWNYC is expected to generate new revenue for New York State between 2026 and 2029, including:

• • $2.5 billion for the MTA through a $600 million license fee and $1.9 billion in new revenue
  • $2 billion for the State public education system, building on nearly $5 million delivered since RWNYC opened in October 2011
  • $506 million to support New York State’s racing industry

For the first phase of the casino, expected to open towards the end of March next year, RWNYC will immediately begin hiring and training up to 2,000 employees. RWNYC’s proposed $2 billion community benefits package also includes a historic commitment to build up to 50,000 units of workforce housing across the five boroughs; a state-of-the-art Resorts World Innovation Campus, featuring a sports and media complex shaped by Queens native and NBA legend Kenny “The Jet” Smith; a community investment fund; and a $100 million infrastructure improvement package.

About Resorts World New York City (RWNYC): the only VLT casino-hotel in the five boroughs, has contributed nearly $5 billion to New York’s public education system since opening in 2011. Over the same period, it has provided more than $2 billion to the New York Racing Association, sustaining tens of thousands of jobs across the State’s equine industry. RWNYC also fulfils the long-standing objective of transforming the historic Aqueduct Racetrack into the nation’s largest gaming destination outside Las Vegas, with approximately 5,500 slot and electronic table games machines.

RWNYC welcomes an average of five million guests each year, offering a comprehensive gaming, entertainment, and dining experience. In 2021, the 400-room Hyatt Regency JFK Airport at Resorts World New York City opened, bringing total investment at the site to approximately $1.1 billion. Guests now enjoy a range of dining options, including the RW Prime and the Good Friends Noodle House.

RWNYC is operated by the Genting Group, a global company founded in 1965 with destination resort operations in the Catskills, Hudson Valley, Las Vegas, Bimini, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Genting brings more than six decades of experience in the travel and leisure sector, employing approximately 30,000 people and serving more than 50 million guests annually worldwide.

Resorts World New York City is turning up the excitement this November with special promotions, exclusive contests, incredible prizes and live entertainment at Bar 360 all month long. Guests can look forward to non-stop thrills that make RWNYC’s ultimate entertainment destination this fall.

The winner of this month’s Ultimate Upgrade Infiniti Drawing will drive home in a brand-new Infinity QX50 SUV while five others will take home $1,000 in cash. Guests can earn entries every day throughout the month, with bonus opportunities on Mondays and Happy Hour bonus entries every Friday, as well as double entries on Sundays. The lucky winner will be selected on Saturday, November 29 at 8 p.m.

Adding to the thrill is the $60,000 Gobble Up Free Slot Play Drawings, happening every Friday in November. Guests will have the chance to win their share of $60,000 in Free Slot Play, with multiple winners selected each hour throughout the evening, giving everyone plenty to be thankful for this season. Plus, get a free entry every Friday when you swipe at any neon promotional kiosk before 8 p.m.

New guests can also get in on the excitement by join Genting Rewards this November. New visitors can Swipe and Win up to $500 in Free Slot Play during their first visit. Plus, they’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win one of five Virgin Voyages. There’s never been a better time to play, win, and set sail at Resorts World New York City.

For a full list of promotions, click here.

Guests can also enjoy a jam-packed calendar of live entertainment at Bar 360 throughout the month. RWNYC will welcome renowned DJ and Rapper Tony Touch, who will be spinning records on November 12, through RWNYC’s partnership with legendary hip-hop artist Nas’ Mass Appeal. Also scheduled for November 26 is a special guest performance by R&B and New Jack Swing singer Jeff Redd, famous for his hit songs “You Called and Told Me” and “Love High.”

For a full list of events and concerts, click here.

This is achievable because RWNYC could begin operations as early as March 2026 if it is selected by the New York Gaming Facility Location Board (“Board”) by December 1, 2025 and the license is issued by the Gaming Commission by December 31, 2025, consistent with the dates the Board has indicated.

With an upfront license fee of $600 million and $1.9 billion in tax payments to the MTA in the next 4 years, RWNYC will generate $2.5 billion in taxes for the MTA. MTA’s budget from casinos are $500 million in 2026, $500 million in 2027, $600 million in 2028 and $200 million in 2029 for a total of $1.8 billion.

With the withdrawal of MGM Yonkers, RWNYC would remain the only operating full commercial casino in Downstate New York, including New York City, generating an estimated $2 billion in tax revenue for Education and $2.5 billion for the MTA over the next four years, while the other greenfield proposals are not expected to open before mid-2030.

“This is not just a casino expansion. It’s a transformative economic development project that will keep New York City moving in every way,” said Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East. “Resorts World New York City is the only bidder who can deliver a steady flow of new revenue for the MTA starting in 2026. This is a promise to the MTA and the people who rely on it that we are here to provide support.”

In addition to the MTA, RWNYC will also provide $2 billion to education and $0.5 billion to NYRA in support of the equine industry in New York. That will build on the nearly $5 billion RWNYC has sent to the state public education system since 2011, as well as billions for the equine industry that has sustained tens of thousands of jobs.

“Every Queens family deserves fast, high-quality public transportation, no matter their ZIP code or socioeconomic status. But ensuring that the necessary funding to build that kind of network is in place has been a challenge for as long as mass transit has existed in New York City,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “The planned expansion of Resorts World New York City will inject critical capital into the MTA at a time when conversations around the future of public transportation swirl the loudest, and I’m deeply grateful to the Resorts World team for their commitment to Queens’ commuters.”

“This investment from Resorts World isn’t just about gaming — it’s about growth,” said State Senator James Sanders, Jr. “We have a safe bet with one project that will provide support to the MTA right away. Resorts World’s contributions to the MTA will allow us to focus on the people’s work and expand accessibility.”

“This is exactly the kind of investment New York and our local communities need — one that actually makes a difference for public transit,” said Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato. “The fact that Resorts World’s expansion can provide this much support to the MTA on its own is a testament to the leadership we’ve seen from them for 14 years. This proves what we already knew, Resorts World is the only project that can truly deliver for our commuters.”

“Private-sector support for our public works has never been more essential,” said Assembly Member Alicia L. Hyndman. “Resorts World has stepped up to fill the gap and will continue to do so. Their expansion shows what responsible corporate citizenship looks like.”

“For years, we’ve heard promises about big projects that would help our neighborhoods but Resorts World is actually delivering,” said Betty Braton, Chair, Community Board 10, Queens. “They’ve engaged the community every step of the way to improve accessibility at Aqueduct. Now, they stand to take that to an entirely new level.”

“Hip Hop has always reflected the culture of New York City, from its emergence in the Bronx to Queens’ own, Nas,” said Kevin Jones, Chief Legal and Chief Strategy Officer at Resorts World New York City. “We are so excited to support the opening of The Hip Hop Museum as a tribute to where Hip Hop has come from as well as where it is headed. Resorts World New York City believes in our cultural institutions, which make this city so special, and are proud to be their partner.”

“Building this Hip Hop Museum is something our culture has needed for a long time,” said Nas. “It’s powerful to see a space being created to preserve that history and to educate and inspire the next generation. Being able to contribute alongside Resorts World to help bring this vision to life is an honor. This museum stands as a reminder of where we came from, and a celebration of everything Hip Hop continues to be.”

“Receiving this generous $2 million donation from Nas and Resorts World at our benefit gala was a major highlight of the evening,” said CEO and Founder of The Hip Hop Museum, Rocky Bucano. “His generosity supports our capital campaign, and brings us closer to opening our doors in 2026. Nas is leading by example which inspires others to preserve Hip Hop’s global legacy, and to help us celebrate and protect this powerful culture.”

For photos and videos of the announcement, click here.

The Hip Hop Museum is the global rhythmic epicenter for connection, collaboration, community and creativity on all things Hip Hop culture. The museum will fittingly make its home in The Bronx, where Hip Hop first emerged more than 50 years ago. Its mission is to sit at the intersection between an appreciation of Hip Hop’s past and the need to always innovate and contribute something to its future.

The museum is slated to open in 2026, when Resorts World New York City has said it can also open as an expanded casino. On Tuesday, Resorts World New York City submitted its supplemental bid to the Gaming Facility Location Board that promised a total investment of $7.5 billion and approximately 100,000 jobs. Included in that sum is $2 billion in community support that includes:

• $750 million toward the construction of up to 50,000 units of workforce housing across New York City
• $750 million toward the Resorts World Innovation Campus, which will be anchored by a sports and media complex developed by Kenny “The Jet” Smith
• $300 million toward the debt and equity raise for the Innovation Campus Community Investment Fund
• $150 million to expand the long-running RW Gives philanthropic program
• $50 million in upfront seed capital for the Innovation Campus Community Investment Fund

New Yorkers from Staten Island to Long Island will also benefit from the economic activity Resorts World New York City seeks to generate. With a commercial casino license in hand, the company projects it will pay up to $18.8 billion in state and local taxes over the first 10 years of expanded operations. Those funds will support the MTA – including $600 million upfront in its proposed license fee – as well as the state education system, which has already received more than $4.5 billion from Resorts World New York City – solidifying it as New York’s biggest taxpayer.

Resorts World has also sought to ensure its success was shared with its neighbors. RW Gives, which launched in 2011 as the company’s philanthropic arm, has invested more than $10 million into more than 300 cultural, community, and educational groups across New York State. This program will only grow with Resorts World New York City’s expansion, at a rate of $5 million annually for the next 30 years.