Genting Group chairman Lim Kok Thay believes Resorts World New York City has the potential to become one of the company’s top-performing assets, citing the city’s economic strength and growing gaming market as key advantages over Singapore.
Speaking after a shareholder meeting, Lim said the Queens-based casino has delivered results in line with expectations since introducing live table games in April. While the company is still reviewing operational data, he said early indicators support Genting’s long-term confidence in the property.
New York market offers significant upside
Lim noted that Resorts World New York City is operating in largely uncharted territory as the city’s first full-scale commercial casino. Unlike more established gaming markets, there is little historical data available to assess potential performance, as reported by Asia Gaming Brief.
Even so, he pointed to New York City’s large population, high income levels and global financial status as factors that could support sustained growth.
The casino expanded its offering in April by launching live dealer games for the first time, adding more than 240 gaming tables and over 1,500 player positions. The expansion complements an existing slot machine operation that exceeds 2,500 units.
Sentosa used as benchmark
Lim said Genting has used the performance of Resorts World Sentosa as a reference point when assessing the New York property’s future potential.
According to Lim, New York’s larger economy and broader consumer base create conditions that could allow the casino to eventually match, or potentially exceed, the performance of Genting’s Singapore integrated resort.
The comments come as Resorts World New York City continues to pursue one of the state’s coveted downstate casino licences. The property was shortlisted as a candidate last year and has outlined plans for further gaming expansion in 2026.
Lim rejects privatisation claims
Lim also responded to questions surrounding Genting Berhad’s failed bid to increase its ownership in Genting Malaysia.
He said the proposal should not be viewed as a privatisation attempt, stressing that the transaction was structured as an offer to acquire a majority stake rather than remove the company from public markets.
Genting Berhad launched the MYR6.74 billion (US$1.6 billion) offer in October 2025 for shares it did not already own. At the time, the company held a 49.36 per cent interest in Genting Malaysia.
Lim said references to privatisation came largely from market observers and analysts rather than from the official offer documents. He added that Genting Malaysia was the subject of the bid and would not be responsible for deciding on any future proposal of a similar nature.
AI robots in deal with AGIBOT
In April, Genting Malaysia Berhad signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Shanghai-based AGIBOT to explore the use of embodied artificial intelligence robotics across its leisure, hospitality, and entertainment businesses.
The agreement sets out a framework for both parties to assess, develop and potentially commercialise robotics solutions for use in integrated resort environments. AGIBOT will contribute its robotics technology, while Genting Malaysia will provide operational use cases from its resort portfolio.
AGIBOT develops general-purpose embodied robots and related applications by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.
Stay in the loop and join the biggest iGaming Community in the world with SiGMA’s Top 10 news countdown. Subscribe HERE for weekly updates from the world’s iGaming authority and exclusive subscriber-only offers.
