Nestled within the bustling Yonkers region of New York, the Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts stands as a popular video lottery “racino.” Offering a plethora of gaming options from slots to table games, alongside harness racing bets and international simulcasting, the venue remains a destination for entertainment and betting enthusiasts. However, evolution is on the horizon as MGM aims to elevate the facility to unprecedented heights, envisioning a transformation into a fully fledged commercial casino complete with a myriad of luxurious amenities.
Presently, Empire City Casino’s magnetic pull is attributed to its enthralling selection of video lottery terminals and the pulse-quickening thrills of electronic table games. But MGM’s aspirations extend well beyond the current setup, seeking to introduce live-dealer tables that promise a tactile, interactive gaming experience, a dedicated high-limit gaming area that caters to the desires of high rollers, and an enhanced slots zone that could become the talk of the town.
The scope of MGM’s ambitions is wide and includes an onsite BetMGM Sportsbook and Lounge, an expanse designed to attract sports betting aficionados across the region, offering a plush environment to wager on a multitude of sporting events. Further enriching the visitor experience, a curated selection of restaurants is to provide a gastronomic adventure, while a sprawling 5,000-seat entertainment venue is set to host an array of events, from concerts to cultural showcases.
These grand plans, however, pivot on a crucial milestone: securing one of the three coveted full commercial casino licenses currently up for grabs in New York. As state officials gear up to announce a detailed timeline for these licenses, the excitement builds following the launch of the bidding process earlier in the year. MGM Resorts’ top executives, including president and CEO Bill Hornbuckle, express palpable enthusiasm for the potential growth and development this expansion could bring.
“MGM Resorts has a long and proud history of delivering world-class entertainment and gaming experiences, and we couldn’t be more excited to build on that track record at MGM Empire City,” declares Hornbuckle. “A full-scale casino and entertainment destination will provide unparalleled experiences, create thousands of jobs, boost the state’s economy, and be a game-changer for the entire region.”
The local community, too, anticipates the project with optimism. Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano vocalizes his support, highlighting that the plan could catalyze economic growth. MGM estimates that a full-scale casino has the potential to ignite over $1.0bn in fresh economic activity for the region, a figure that resonates with hope for local residents and businesses alike.
“Already drawing millions of guests annually, this development plan will solidify Empire City’s status as a premier entertainment destination,” Spano affirmed. “Generations of Yonkers residents have worked at, enjoyed, and supported this historic property for 125 years. I am excited about the significant impacts this project will have for residents now and for the next 125 years.”
MGM is not alone in its quest to tap into New York’s burgeoning casino market. Noteworthy proposals from other heavyweights dot the landscape. Steve Cohen, who owns the New York Mets, and Hard Rock International recently unveiled a striking $8bn plan for a casino resort at the Citi Field ballpark. Caesars Entertainment also threw its hat into the ring, in a partnership with SL Green Realty, eying a lavish Caesars Palace outpost in the vibrant heart of Times Square. Other industry giants like Las Vegas Sands, Wynn Resorts, and Universal Entertainment have similarly shown interest, adding to the competitive clamor for a slice of New York’s gaming future.
Last April, New York’s very own city planner, Muhammad Cohen, delved deeply into these transformative plans in a gripping piece for iGB, casting light on what these developments could mean for the city and its residents. As the race for New York’s casino licenses intensifies, all eyes are on the Empire State’s unfolding gaming saga, a narrative rich with the promise of revitalization and economic resurgence.
