Published on: September 25, 2025, 11:29 AM.
Updated on: September 25, 2025, 11:35 AM.
- The property is the first to successfully complete the community advisory committee (CAC) evaluation.
- The MGM venue is seen as a front-runner for three downstate casino licenses.
- Support for the proposal comes from local Yonkers officials and residents.
MGM Resorts International’s Empire City Casino in Yonkers, NY, has received a green light from the community advisory committee (CAC), marking it as the pioneering proposal to progress beyond this phase.
After a series of notable exits and rejections, the competition for three New York City-area casino licenses has significantly narrowed, confirming Empire City’s long-established position as a key competitor.
“We appreciate the Community Advisory Committee and the local community for their unwavering support for Empire City Casino,” stated the Las Vegas-based gaming giant. “For over a century, Yonkers Raceway and Empire City have been an integral part of Yonkers. We eagerly anticipate continuing to offer well-paying job opportunities for local residents and contributing hundreds of millions of dollars in annual educational revenue to the State of New York.”
Since 2006, Empire City has functioned as a slots-only facility. MGM finalized its $850 million purchase of Empire City and Yonkers Raceway in January 2019.
Empire City’s Edge in NYC Casino Contest
The frequent speculation about MGM’s venue being a prime contender in the New York City casino race is not mere opinion; it’s based on strong indicators.
As Casino.org‘s Devin O’Connor highlighted earlier this year, from MGM’s acquisition in January 2019 through the end of last year, Empire City contributed over $5 billion in revenue to New York K-12 public education. Throughout this period, the property consistently ranked among the highest-grossing regional casinos in the U.S., even without table games.
MGM has another advantage in Yonkers: if it secures one of the three licenses, it won’t have to construct a new facility from scratch. Although a significant renovation of the property is anticipated if it obtains one of the permits, the operator estimates it can transition to a Las Vegas-style casino hotel by 2027.
Empire City boasts MGM’s largest casino floor in the U.S., providing ample space for the addition of numerous gaming tables. Currently hosting 4,600 gaming devices, the property could incorporate 183 table games if awarded a downstate license. Plans also include 14 new dining options and a 5,000-seat entertainment venue.
Developments in the New York Casino Race
Thursday promises to be an eventful day for the New York City casino landscape. Following the CAC’s unanimous approval of MGM’s proposal, a comparable committee in Queens is anticipated to announce its decision regarding Resorts World New York.
Similar to Empire City, the Genting-operated Resorts World in Queens has long been recognized as a leader in the New York casino landscape, thanks to its established rapport with regulators, a proven history of generating state revenue, and a relatively brief conversion timeline to a traditional casino.
A CAC vote concerning the $8 billion Metropolitan Park, also in Queens, is expected forthcoming. Spearheaded by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, Metropolitan Park is widely regarded as a leading contender along with Empire City and Resorts World.