A local community advisory committee (CAC) is scheduled to vote next week on MGM’s $2.3 billion Empire City Casino redevelopment proposal, a decision that will determine whether the project progresses to the New York Gaming Facility Location Board for final consideration. The five-member CAC must achieve a favorable two-thirds majority for the bid to advance.
MGM Empire City is one of six contenders still vying for one of three downstate casino licenses to be awarded by year’s end, and it is regarded as a leading candidate following the recent rejection of proposals from Caesars Palace Times Square and The Avenir by their respective CACs.
Key takeaways:
- The CAC votes next Thursday, September 25 on MGM’s $2.3 billion proposal to transform Empire City Casino
- The project aims to add Las Vegas-style gaming, entertainment venues, and sustainable infrastructure
- Final decision impacts thousands of jobs, local economy, and the future of Yonkers’ gaming landscape
Inside MGM’s $2.3B Expansion Plan
The plan involves converting the current racino into a full-scale gaming and entertainment venue. Proposed features include Las Vegas-style slot machines, live dealer table games and retail sports betting through the BetMGM Sportsbook platform.
MGM also outlines comprehensive renovations and expansions of the gaming floor, the construction of a 5,000-seat entertainment venue, community event meeting spaces, new dining options and an environmentally sustainable parking garage equipped with solar energy arrays and electric vehicle charging stations.
Bill Hornbuckle, president and CEO of MGM Resorts, remarked, “Empire City Casino and Yonkers Raceway have anchored the entertainment and tourism culture in downstate New York for more than a century. Achieving a full casino license will ensure this site will continue to be a cultural and economic force for generations to come.”
Community Partnerships at the Heart of the Proposal
Since MGM Resorts’ acquisition of the Empire City property in 2019, the company has contributed $1.6 billion to New York’s education fund via gaming proceeds. This acquisition was part of an effort to strengthen its position for acquiring a full casino license.
Local officials, including Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, have voiced support for the project, highlighting concerns that failure to secure the license could put over 1,000 existing jobs and considerable tax revenues at risk.
MGM has also committed to a Community Benefit Agreement valued at approximately $100 million. The agreement includes investments aimed at improving local infrastructure such as a new library and community center, enhancements for small business storefronts and commitments to use local labor adhering to prevailing wage standards during construction.
What the Empire City Casino Plan Could Mean for Jobs & Revenue
Empire City Casino has historically generated significant tax revenue, totaling over $5 billion since launching as a video lottery terminal facility, including $1.5 billion since MGM’s ownership began.
The expansion is projected to be completed by mid-2029, with the integrated resort expected to begin operations between mid and late 2027. The development is anticipated to create thousands of employment opportunities and support economic growth within Yonkers and the wider downstate New York area.
If the CAC vote is positive, the proposal will be reviewed by the New York Gaming Facility Location Board, which will make the final decision on awarding the casino license.
