MGM’s Empire City Casino will seek downstate New York casino license

Empire City Casino downstate license
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The chatter around the request for proposals for the three available downstate New York casino licenses has generally focused on new projects so far. However, one existing property is keen to be approved for one of these licenses as well.

Founded in 1899, Empire City Casino began as a racetrack in Yonkers, New York before adding slot machines in 2006. In addition to slot machines, the property offers some automated table games, but do not have the same offerings as upstate casinos. MGM Resorts acquired the property for $850 million in 2019.

Accordingly, Empire City Casinos will pursue one of the licenses, which will cost $500 million apiece with a pledged minimum capital expenditure investment of $500 million more.

Here is what an Empire City Casino spokesperson had to say about the desire for one of the downstate casino licenses:

“A full-scale casino offering a world-class gaming experience in Yonkers is a game-changer that will transform the community with an influx of 13,000 jobs, including thousands of direct hires, and $1 billion in economic activity to the region. As the largest operator on the Las Vegas Strip, MGM Resorts has more experience in full-scale casinos and gaming than anyone, and we are eager to showcase the best our company and industry has to offer at Empire City. This historic property is part of the bedrock of the City of Yonkers and the region, and will be a primary economic engine that helps propel these communities and the Great State of New York forward.”

The property has also set up a petition to generate support for its effort.