MGM’s Empire City Casino gets zoning approval for full-scale expansion

MGM Resorts International has moved a step closer to turning its Empire City Casino in Yonkers into a full-scale commercial casino after the City Council unanimously approved a zoning ordinance creating a designated Casino District at the site.

The zoning approval allows the property to expand its offerings to include Class III slot machines, live-dealer table games, and retail sports betting, pending a commercial gaming license from New York State. MGM submitted its $2.3 billion license application to the New York Gaming Commission on Thursday, ahead of the state’s June 27 deadline.

“Yonkers is on its way to winning big in spurring transformative economic growth, job creation, entertainment, and more,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “This vote signals to New York that the Yonkers site has speed to market readiness and is prepared to hit the ground running once licenses are granted.”

MGM’s proposal includes a renovation of the existing spaces, a BetMGM-branded sportsbook, a Las Vegas-style casino floor, a 5,000-seat entertainment venue, event and meeting space, three new full-service restaurants, and a parking structure outfitted with solar energy systems and electric vehicle charging stations. The company anticipates completing the project by mid-2029, if awarded a license.

A Community Benefits Agreement is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, addressing issues such as public safety, infrastructure, tax payments, and quality-of-life improvements. A Community Advisory Council, comprised of local and state officials, will vote on the project in September.

“Today marks a major step forward in protecting neighborhoods in my Council District around Empire City Casino, while driving real economic opportunity for our city,” said Yonkers City Council Majority Leader John Rubbo. “The zone change... is about safeguarding quality of life, creating good jobs, and ensuring this project works for the people of my district.”

Empire City Casino has contributed more than $5 billion to New York State education since opening in 2006, including $1.6 billion since MGM acquired the property in 2019. If the license is granted, 20% of tax revenue from the expanded casino would be distributed regionally - 10% to the City of Yonkers, 5% to Westchester County, and 5% shared between Rockland and Putnam counties.

“Empire City Casino and Yonkers Raceway have anchored the entertainment and tourism culture in downstate New York for more than a century,” said MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle. “Achieving a full casino license will ensure this site will continue to be a cultural and economic force for generations to come.”

MGM said the project would create thousands of direct, indirect, and induced jobs and pledged to support sustainable development through energy-efficient infrastructure, solar technology, and responsible water usage.

MGM is one of up to eight bidders still in the race for one of up to three licenses in the downstate region of New York. Friday, June 27, marks the deadline for all competing parties to submit their proposals to regulators.