MGM New York City Bid for Full Casino License Backed by Yonkers Mayor

Posted on: March 31, 2025, 09:04h. 

Last updated on: March 31, 2025, 10:21h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.
  • MGM Resorts is seeking a downstate New York casino license
  • MGM operates Empire City Casino, which is a racino with slot-like video lottery terminals (VLTs)
  • Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano is supporting the MGM bid

MGM Resorts is amid a crowded bidding pool for the three downstate New York casino licenses that come with slot machines, live dealer table games, and sports betting privileges.

MGM New York City Empire City Yonkers
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano gives his State of the City address on March 26, 2025. Spano spoke in support of MGM Resorts transitioning Empire City north of New York City into a full-scale casino with slot machines, live dealer table games, and sports betting. (Image: Instagram)

MGM acquired Empire City Casino and Yonkers Raceway in 2019 for $850 million. The purchase was largely seen as MGM’s way of improving its odds of gaining one of New York’s three downstate gaming concessions that became issuable in 2023 following a 10-year moratorium.

During his State of the City address last week, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano (D) said residents should embrace MGM’s bid, which would include the casino company investing billions of dollars to renovate the property into a Las Vegas-like destination. Along with more tax revenue and jobs, Spano said if Empire City doesn’t gain a full gaming license, the jobs of the more than 1,000 employees who currently work at the video lottery racino would be in peril.

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 served as Yonkers mayor since January 2012. A Republican until 2007, Spano is a lifelong Yonkers resident and is married to local CBS anchor Mary Calvi.

Destination: Yonkers

Spano’s State of the City largely focused on continuing to grow the Yonkers economy by transforming the Westchester County city located immediately north of the Bronx into a leisure destination.

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

The New York Gaming Facility Location Board will soon open its bidding period and begin reviewing applications. The Board’s current timeline gives a Dec. 1, 2025, deadline for the winners to be announced.

Spano says it’s critical to Yonkers’ long-term outlook that MGM be awarded one of the coveted casino concessions.

“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 Vision

Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts, as the racino is currently known, would become MGM Empire City upon receipt of a full-scale gaming permit and completing the $2 billion renovation. Along with overhauling the gaming space, MGM’s plan includes a 5,000-seat entertainment venue.

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.”

Additional amenities would include the construction of a new parking garage “to significantly enhance the guest arrival experience while also providing visitors with direct and convenient access to the casino.”