Published on: September 19, 2025, 09:37h.
Updated on: September 19, 2025, 10:29h.
- The Community Advisory Committee of MGM Empire City will cast their vote on the initiative next week.
- MGM Empire City has proposed a $2.3 billion renovation of the racino.
- MGM is viewed as a leading candidate for one of the three casino licenses in downstate New York.
With six contenders remaining for New York’s three downstate casino licenses, MGM Empire City awaits a pivotal vote from the local Community Advisory Committee on its proposed $2.3 billion redesign.
Following recent decisions, the pool of potential downstate New York casinos has narrowed to six candidates, improving MGM Resorts International’s chances of transforming its Empire City Casino into a vibrant gaming hub featuring classic Las Vegas-style slots, live table games, and retail sports betting.
The Community Advisory Committee for MGM Empire City has convened four times already. The fifth meeting, set for next Thursday, September 25, will see the five-member panel vote on the proposal. For the plan to advance to the New York Gaming Facility Location Board, a three-fifths majority, or three out of five votes, is required.
Positive Outlook
While numerous downstate New York casino bids have faced local resistance, MGM’s proposal in Yonkers has been largely positively received. Empire City has been a fixture in Yonkers, providing electronic table games and video lottery terminals (VLTs) for nearly 20 years.
In January 2019, MGM acquired the Westchester County location from the Rooney family for $850 million in cash and stock, positioning itself favorably for a full-scale gaming license in the New York City metro area.
Authorized by state legislation in 2013, the three casino licenses could not be issued until 2023 due to a 10-year moratorium aimed at allowing four upstate casinos to establish themselves without competition from downstate venues.
For over six years, MGM has been a proactive community partner in Yonkers and Westchester County, contributing $1.6 billion to the state’s education funding through its gaming revenues.
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, a member of the CAC, has expressed support for MGM’s plan. He warns that without a full-scale casino license, the long-term viability of Empire City is questionable, potentially jeopardizing over 1,000 jobs and vital local tax revenues.
The MGM Empire City Vision
If awarded a full-scale casino license, MGM intends to initiate a $2.3 billion transformative renovation of the racetrack casino. This would include an extensive upgrade of the gaming floor, incorporating a high-limit lounge and BetMGM Sportsbook. The project plans to establish a 5,000-seat entertainment venue that can host various events, including local graduations.
Additionally, three new full-service dining establishments will be introduced, along with enhancements to existing food and beverage offerings. A parking facility featuring solar energy systems and EV charging stations will also be included.
“Empire City Casino and Yonkers Raceway have been pivotal in shaping the entertainment landscape of downstate New York for over a century. Securing a full casino license will ensure this venue remains a cultural and economic powerhouse for future generations,” remarked Bill Hornbuckle, president and CEO of MGM Resorts.
MGM anticipates finalizing the $2.3 billion investment by mid-2029.