MGM Resorts International and Yonkers city officials have long talked about expansion possibilities for the Empire City Casino and Yonkers Raceway property should the company receive a New York state license to operate a full-scale Las Vegas-style casino. On Nov. 30, MGM released specific details of what it initially would like do at the site should it receive such a license, including renderings of what some of the proposed new elements might look like.
Key features would be: redevelopment and expansion of the current 160,000-square-foot casino floor; creating an entertainment venue that could hold audiences of up to 5,000; a state-of-the-art BetMGM sportsbook; new food and beverage outlets by celebrated chefs; cocktail bars and lounges; and technologically advanced meeting spaces. Empire City already is allowed to offer electronic gaming and lottery machines and the full casino license would allow it to operate table games with live dealers.
There had been suggestions in the past that a hotel could be added to the site, but the material released by MGM did not include mention of building a new hotel.
New York’s Gaming Facilities Location Board is soon expected to request formal applications for the new licenses to be awarded by the New York State Gaming Commission. Among the entities in addition to MGM that have been mentioned as being interested in obtaining a full-casino license in the downstate area include Resorts World New York, Caesars Palace Times Square, Related Companies and Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas Sands, and Bally’s Corporation.
Bill Hornbuckle, president and CEO of MGM Resorts said, “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.”
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said, “This development plan will solidify Empire City’s status as a premier entertainment destination. Generations of Yonkers residents have worked at, enjoyed, and supported this historic property for 125 years, and I am excited about the significant impacts this project will have for residents now and for the next 125 years.”
