The regional casino continues to serve as an economic powerhouse for New York, six years since MGM Resorts’ acquisition of the historic property.
Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts (‘Empire City’) has remained a significant economic engine for Westchester, the Bronx, and New York State more than 18 years after opening as a video lottery terminal casino in October 2006. MGM Resorts acquired Empire City in January 2019 and the Yonkers casino boasts the largest gaming floor in the MGM Resorts portfolio of 31 hotel and casino destinations worldwide.
Empire City recently surpassed the $5 billion mark in funds generated for New York State education, contributing more than $1.3 billion in the past five years alone. This milestone underscores Empire City’s robust and sustained growth, especially as it prepares to apply for one of three commercial casino licenses expected to be issued by the state before the end of this year.
The $5 billion in education funds represents approximately 30% of the total funds generated for education by all video lottery terminal (VLT) casinos across the state, reinforcing Empire City’s pivotal role in New York’s economic well-being. On average, Empire City has contributed more than $25 million per month for education over the past 18 years. In addition to supporting education, Empire City also generates hundreds of millions of dollars annually to support harness racing, and both state and local governments.
With an annual payroll exceeding $90 million, Empire City plays a vital role in the local economy as a major employer. More than 90 percent of its workforce is unionized, and over 70 percent of its employees are residents of Yonkers, Mount Vernon, and the Bronx. Many of these employees have been with the casino since its opening, building long-term careers in departments such as finance, marketing, security, food and beverage, and more.
In its commitment to supporting local businesses, Empire City spends over $30 million annually with vendors and suppliers located within a 20-mile radius. Empire City and MGM Resorts have also been leaders in corporate social responsibility, through ongoing employee volunteer efforts, in-kind giving, and strategic partnerships with local nonprofits that align with the core philanthropic pillars of food insecurity, public education, and workforce development. Dozens of local nonprofit organizations receive hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to support programs in these key focus areas.
Since acquiring Empire City, MGM Resorts has made significant investments in the property, including enhancements to the 125-year-old historic Yonkers Raceway. These upgrades include a new VIP gaming room, integration into MGM Resorts’ world-class loyalty program, MGM Rewards, a new employee dining room and technology lounge, and more than $1 million in renovations to Yonkers Raceway. These improvements include a resurfaced and regraded track with raised turns, new LED lighting, an upgraded paddock, and a state-of-the-art tote board with video capabilities.
“As we reflect on the $5 billion milestone, MGM Resorts is incredibly proud to call New York home,” said Ed Domingo, president and COO of Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts. “Our commitment to Westchester and the Bronx has only grown stronger through our investments in both Empire City and our surrounding communities. We look forward to continuing our legacy of community investment and transformation in Westchester and the Bronx for generations to come.”
Looking ahead, Empire City is preparing to secure a commercial casino license that would allow it to replace computerized electronic table games with live dealers, offer retail sports betting, Class III Vegas-style slot machines, and expanded amenities. MGM Resorts recently unveiled its vision to transform Empire City into a world-class entertainment destination, MGM Empire City, should it be awarded a commercial casino license.
The first phase of this redevelopment will include a comprehensive renovation and expansion of the casino floor, a 5,000-capacity entertainment venue, a state-of-the-art BetMGM sportsbook, three new full-service high-end restaurants, a renovation of existing food and beverage outlets, cocktail bars and lounges, technologically advanced meeting spaces, and more.
This transformation will create 2,000 direct jobs, generate more than $1 billion in economic activity, and support the creation of more than 10,000 indirect and induced jobs.
For additional information on Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts, including the latest updates, please visit www.empirecitycasino.com.
