MGM’s Vision for Empire City Casino: A Game-Changing Entertainment Hub

By John Isaac,
Editor at online-gambling.com

John Isaac Editor at online-gambling.com

John Isaac is an editor with many years of experience in the gambling industry. He writes expert articles on card games like blackjack and poker. In addition, he is also well aware of the US gambling laws and the Indian and Dutch gambling markets. You can rely on verified information and insightful details.

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Last updated: December 9, 2023

If Empire City Casino were to receive one of the highly sought-after downstate New York gambling licenses—which would entitle it to sports betting, table games, and slots—MGM Resorts International sees a very different future for the establishment.

In the event that MGM Resorts International is awarded a full-scale casino license in downstate New York, it proposes its plans for Empire City Casino. A 5,000-seat entertainment center, a BetMGM Sportsbook, a redesigned gaming floor, cocktail bars, and state-of-the-art conference spaces are all included in the concept. MGM Resorts International is pictured.

In the event that MGM obtains one of these licenses, it intends to completely renovate Empire City, adding a larger gaming area, a 5,000-seat Yonkers entertainment venue, a BetMGM Sportsbook, fine dining options handpicked by renowned chefs, chic cocktail bars and lounges, and cutting-edge meeting spaces.

“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,” said Bill Hornbuckle, President and CEO of MGM, expressing his excitement.

After MGM acquired Empire City Casino in 2019, the firm announced its intention to turn the video lottery terminal racino into a casino resort akin to Las Vegas.

New York Opens Applications for Downstate Licenses

The three downstate casino licenses will be available for application starting in January of next year, according to the New York Gaming Facility Location Board. With a ten-year moratorium to give the four upstate casinos time to establish themselves free from competition from the New York City area, these licenses were approved by state legislation in 2013.

For two of these licenses, Empire City and Resorts World New York City are regarded as formidable competitors. In addition, a number of significant casino operators, including Wynn Resorts in Hudson Yards, Caesars Entertainment in Times Square, Hard Rock International in Queens, and Las Vegas Sands on Long Island, are getting ready to submit proposals.

MGM’s Empire City Proposal

In comparison to other bids, MGM’s proposal for Empire City Casino was unveiled with less hoopla and with fewer information.

Although several rival offers touted exclusive features and neighborhood advantages including low-cost housing, MGM’s announcement concentrated on the financial impact on Yonkers. The business mentioned that Empire City is one of the biggest employers of private citizens in Yonkers and the biggest tax payer in the city.

With approximately 10,000 predicted indirect and induced employment in addition to thousands of direct recruits, future growth plans are projected to result in a major rise in the workforce. Already, Empire City Casino spends tens of millions of dollars a year on regional products and services, making a major economic contribution to the area.

Expansion of Empire City Casino

At 160,000 square feet, Empire City’s gaming floor is the biggest in MGM’s US portfolio, with 4,600 video lottery terminals (VLTs) and electronic table game seats.

When MGM gets a full-scale casino license, it intends to increase the size of the casino floor even more. On the other hand, precise information regarding the scope of the expansion and the quantity of further slots and table games was not given.

A one-time $500 million charge is required for each downstate casino license. A $500 million minimum investment is required from winning bidders for their resort projects. The plan from MGM highlights the significant employment and economic benefits that an expansive casino in Empire City would provide for the community.