Two prominent contenders for downstate New York’s full-scale casino licenses have surged ahead following unanimous backing from their Community Advisory Committees (CACs). Empire City Casino by MGM in Yonkers and Resorts World New York City at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens have successfully navigated the local review phase, placing them ahead of six other hopefuls competing for the three licenses scheduled to be granted later this year.
On Thursday, the CAC for Empire City Casino voted unanimously 5-0 to submit MGM’s ambitious $2.3 billion expansion plan to the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board. Just hours later, the Queens CAC supported Resorts World’s $5.5 billion proposal with a 6-0 vote.
Both establishments are leading candidates, given their established operations as video lottery terminal (VLT) facilities, which have been catering to players for more than a decade. Empire City opened in 2006 at Yonkers Raceway and was bought by MGM in 2018 for roughly $850 million. Resorts World debuted at Aqueduct in 2011 and broadened its services in 2021 with a 400-room hotel.
MGM’s proposal includes converting its VLT hub into a comprehensive casino featuring 183 live dealer games, 14 new dining and drinking establishments, and a 5,000-seat entertainment complex. This initiative promises to generate 8,500 jobs, including 6,500 related to construction and 2,000 in gaming, thereby expanding its casino workforce from 700 to 2,700.
“We express our gratitude to the Community Advisory Committee and the local community for their ongoing support of Empire City Casino. For over a century, Yonkers Raceway and Empire City have been integral to the City of Yonkers. We are eager to continue creating well-paid job opportunities for local residents and to contribute hundreds of millions of dollars in annual educational funding to New York State,” stated MGM Resorts in a press release.
Visual of MGM Empire City
As part of its updated plan, MGM Empire City included several new commitments in line with its Community Benefit Agreement with the City of Yonkers.
These commitments comprise $10 million for a new library and community center, $2 million for small business façade improvements along Yonkers Avenue, $1.5 million in initial funding along with $500,000 annually for the Yonkers Economic Development Council, $2 million for enhancing local streetscapes, and $1.25 million for neighborhood parks. Additionally, the plan allocates $100 million for traffic and drainage enhancements near the casino location.
James Cavanaugh, chair of the Yonkers CAC and appointee of Mayor Mike Spano, underscored the project’s stakes during Thursday’s vote. “If Yonkers fails to secure one of the three full casino licenses, Empire Casino will face a grim future,” he remarked. “With three new casinos offering table games, sports betting, and other entertainment options within a half-hour drive, who would visit an aging slot parlor lacking these attractions?”
He further asserted: “A casino license stands to benefit New York State, Westchester County, and especially Yonkers. For that reason, I lend my voice to the affirmative alongside my fellow committee members.”
In Queens, Resorts World garnered comparable support. Its $5.5 billion initiative aims to create what is touted as the largest integrated resort in the US, boasting enhanced gaming options, additional hotel rooms, an arena, parking facilities, green spaces, and generating 24,000 jobs, of which 5,000 would be permanent.
“On behalf of the entire Resorts World team, I extend my gratitude to the Community Advisory Committee for acknowledging the positive impact we will have not just on Queens, but across New York City and State,” said Robert DeSalvio, president of Genting Americas East. “We are extremely thankful to the many residents, partners, and supporters who endorsed this project, with no one opposing it.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards enthusiastically endorsed the project during the vote, even teasing neighboring boroughs that failed to move forward with proposals. “There’s a slogan in Queens, featuring (rapper) Nas: ‘Queens get the money.’ Sorry, Jay-Z, we win again,” Richards declared. “With that said, I cast my vote in favor.”
Resorts World is now preparing to deliver its comprehensive proposal to the Gaming Facility Location Board. A significant aspect of its presentation includes creating $1 billion in economic activity by next year.
Thursday’s endorsements mark a historic moment, as it’s the first time any downstate New York CACs have endorsed casino proposals. All three Manhattan-based applications, including Caesars Palace Times Square, Freedom Plaza, and The Avenir, were rejected, each with a 4-2 vote margin. Another proposal in Brooklyn, known as The Coney, is likely to be dismissed as well, with four CAC members expressing opposition before Monday’s upcoming vote.
The CACs for Bally’s and The Coney are slated to vote on Monday, while the CAC for the Metropolitan Park proposal near Citi Field will reach its decision on Tuesday, which is the deadline for all local advisory votes. Failure to conduct a vote by then will be considered a rejection.
In the end, the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board will examine all approved applications and make its recommendations in December. The ultimate decision will lie with the New York State Gaming Commission, which will determine who receives up to three available licenses, each costing $500 million.