MGM’s Empire City Race for New York Casino Licenses Accelerates

***UPDATE*** A Queens community advisory committee (CAC) has officially approved Resorts World New York’s proposal to transform its current slots-only venue into a full-scale, Las Vegas-style destination. This pivotal decision marks a major shift in the New York gaming landscape, as the move necessitates a transition in the specific casino licenses required to operate expanded table games, paving the way for a more diverse gambling experience in the region.

The venue is the first to successfully navigate the community advisory committee process.
MGM’s Empire City is a frontrunner for one of three downstate casino licenses.
Local Yonkers politicians and residents support the proposal.

MGM Resorts International’s Empire City Casino, located in Yonkers, NY, has received the community advisory committee’s stamp of approval, advancing it past a crucial hurdle in its quest to become a full-scale casino.

Casino transformation — Image by christockwell from Pixabay

With the recent departures and rejections in the competitive field for New York City-area casino licenses, Empire City has confirmed its long-held position as a leading contender.

“We appreciate the support from the Community Advisory Committee and our local community for Empire City Casino,” stated a representative from MGM. “For over a century, Yonkers Raceway and Empire City have been integral to Yonkers. We aim to create quality jobs for locals and generate substantial annual education funding for New York State.”

Since 2006, Empire City has been functioning as a slots-only venue. MGM’s acquisition of the property and Yonkers Raceway, worth $850 million, took place in January 2019.

Advantages of Empire City in New York’s Casino Competition

MGM’s Empire City Casino stands out in the New York City casino race, not just by chance, but through its proven performance. Here are some significant points to consider:

Since its acquisition, Empire City has generated over $5 billion for New York K-12 public education, making it one of the highest-grossing regional casinos in the nation—despite not having any table games.
The casino’s existing infrastructure allows for a smoother transition. MGM plans to upgrade Empire City into a full-scale casino hotel by 2027 without needing extensive new construction.
Empire City boasts the largest casino floor for MGM in the U.S., providing ample space for additional gaming tables. It currently has 4,600 gaming devices and could incorporate 183 table games and 14 new eateries, along with a 5,000-seat entertainment venue if awarded a downstate license.

New York Casino Landscape is Shaping Up

The approval of MGM’s proposal sets the stage for a busy period ahead for New York casinos. A similar decision from a CAC in Queens regarding Resorts World New York is anticipated shortly. Just like Empire City, Resorts World is widely considered a serious contender, largely due to its established history of generating state revenue and its robust relationships with regulators.

In the coming days, a CAC vote regarding the $8 billion Metropolitan Park project in Queens, spearheaded by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, will add to the growing competitive landscape. Both Empire City and Resorts World are seen as frontrunners for the remaining available casino licenses in the area.

In summary, MGM’s Empire City Casino is taking significant steps towards its goal of enhancing the gaming landscape in New York. With community backing and a clear plan in place to transition into a fully functional Las Vegas-style casino, Empire City hopes to lead the way in this competitive environment.