MGM Resorts is in a competitive bidding environment for the three downstate New York casino licenses that include slot machines, live dealer table games, and sports betting options. 

In 2019, MGM purchased Empire City Casino and Yonkers Raceway for $850 million. The acquisition was mainly viewed as MGM’s strategy to enhance its chances of obtaining one of the three downstate gaming concessions in New York that became available in 2023 after a decade-long moratorium. 

In his State of the City speech last week, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano (D) encouraged residents to support MGM’s proposal, which involves the casino firm investing billions to transform the site into a Las Vegas-style attraction. In addition to increased tax revenue and jobs, Spano mentioned that if Empire City fails to acquire a full gaming license, the positions of over 1,000 workers currently employed at the video lottery racino would be at risk

"If Yonkers does not get a full gaming license, and it’s allowed to go to other locations in the New York City area, then unfortunately it’s very unlikely that Empire City will survive long-term,” said Spano.

Spano has been the mayor of Yonkers since January 2012. Spano, a lifelong Yonkers resident and married to local CBS anchor Mary Calvi, was a Republican until 2007. 

End Point: Yonkers 

Spano’s State of the City primarily centered on further developing the Yonkers economy by turning the Westchester County city just north of the Bronx into a recreation hotspot. 

“No longer is Yonkers a pass-through to New York City or upstate,” Spano declared.

The New York Gaming Facility Location Board is set to initiate its bidding phase and start evaluating submissions. The Board’s existing schedule sets a deadline of December 1, 2025, for the announcement of the winners. 

Spano claims that it is essential for Yonkers’ future that MGM receives one of the sought-after casino licenses. 

“A full gaming license … means more than $1 billion in economic activity and $2 billion in private investment. It means thousands of jobs and more than $200 million in additional wages,” Spano said. 

Empire City Casino Perspective 

Empire City Casino, currently recognized as a racino by MGM Resorts, would be rebranded as MGM Empire City upon acquiring a full gaming permit and finishing the $2 billion renovation. In addition to revamping the gaming area, MGM's strategy features a 5,000-seat entertainment facility.

"MGM Resorts has a long and proud history of delivering world-class entertainment and gaming experiences, and we couldn’t be more excited to build on that track record at MGM Empire City,” said Bill Hornbuckle, MGM Resorts president and chief executive officer. “A full-scale casino and entertainment destination will provide unparalleled experiences, create thousands of jobs, boost the state’s economy, and be a game-changer for the entire region.”

Extra features would involve building a new parking garage “to greatly improve the guest arrival experience while also offering visitors direct and easy access to the casino.”