Genting, New York City’s First Commercial Casino in 400 Years

Timeline

Description

2010s to 2026

Resorts World New York City evolves from a racino into a full service casino with live gaming tables.

2025

Lim Kok Thay proposes privatisation of Genting Malaysia but fails to secure required shareholder approval.

December 2025

Genting consortium secures one of three New York casino licences, preserving public listing upside.

April 2026

Full casino operations launch, adding significant gaming capacity and employment.

Ongoing

Genting expands global footprint across integrated resorts, reinforcing long term earnings diversification.

Context

The opening of full scale casino operations at Resorts World New York City marks a structural milestone for Genting. Located in Queens, the site represents the first commercial casino development in New York in over four centuries.
This transition from a racino model to a full service casino reflects both regulatory evolution and strategic persistence. For Genting, it is not merely an operational upgrade but a critical step in strengthening its presence in one of the world’s most lucrative gaming markets.

Deep Dive

In the 2010s, Resorts World New York City operated primarily as a racino, relying on electronic gaming machines under regulatory constraints. While profitable, the model limited revenue potential due to the absence of live table games. Genting maintained a long term strategy, positioning itself to benefit from eventual regulatory liberalisation in New York.

In 2025, Lim Kok Thay initiated a RM6.7 billion privatisation proposal for Genting Malaysia, aiming to consolidate its global operations across Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The offer, priced at RM2.35 per share, sought to streamline capital allocation and address concerns over related party transactions. However, minority shareholders opposed the proposal, arguing that it undervalued the company and failed to reflect the upside from a potential New York casino licence.

In December 2025, the strategic landscape shifted decisively when the New York State Gaming Commission awarded Genting one of three commercial casino licences. This outcome validated shareholder resistance to privatisation, as the listing structure allowed investors to retain exposure to future earnings growth from the New York market.

In April 2026, the upgraded casino officially commenced operations. The new gaming floor introduced over 240 live dealer tables, covering blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and craps, alongside 2,500 slot machines. The expansion created approximately 1,250 jobs and is projected to generate annual gaming revenue of around USD1.7 billion. This transformation significantly enhances the asset’s revenue profile and strategic value within Genting’s global portfolio.

In parallel, Genting continues to strengthen its regional assets. Genting Singapore operates Universal Studios Singapore under licence from Universal Destinations and Experiences. Ongoing expansions, including Minion Land and Super Nintendo World, reinforce its integrated resort ecosystem in Asia.

In the present phase, Genting’s corporate structure spans multiple listed entities, including Genting Berhad, Genting Singapore, and Genting Plantations. Its diversification into energy, property, and life sciences complements its core gaming operations, providing resilience across economic cycles.

In the global context, Genting has emerged as one of the leading players in the gaming industry. Its market positioning places it alongside major operators such as Galaxy Entertainment Group and Sands China, while maintaining competitive scale against Melco Resorts and SJM Holdings. The development pipeline in New York, estimated at approximately USD5.5 billion, provides a significant growth lever that offsets regional volatility.

Key Takeaway

Genting’s New York casino milestone illustrates how regulatory patience, capital discipline, and global diversification can reposition a regional operator into a leading international gaming powerhouse.

FAQS

1.Why is the New York casino significant for Genting?
It marks entry into one of the world’s most valuable gaming markets with full scale operations.

2.Why did the privatisation attempt fail?
Minority shareholders rejected the offer as undervalued, particularly given the potential upside from the casino licence.

3.What changed after the licence award?
Genting gained approval to operate live gaming tables, significantly increasing revenue potential.

4.How does Genting diversify its business?
Through operations in gaming, integrated resorts, plantations, energy, and property development.

5.What is Genting’s global positioning?
It is among the leading international gaming groups, competing with major operators in Macau and beyond.

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