Transformation proposal by MGM for Empire City presented to Community Advisory Group
MGM Proposes $2.3 Billion Casino Expansion for Empire City in Yonkers
MGM Resorts has put forward a proposal for a significant expansion and renovation of the Empire City Casino in Yonkers, New York, worth an estimated $2.3 billion. If approved, the project could bring transformative changes to the city and region, offering a long-term economic boost and hundreds of millions in community benefits.
The proposed plan would see the existing racino (a racetrack plus video lottery terminals) transformed into a Las Vegas-style Class III casino, complete with table games, slot machines, a renovated gaming floor, three full-service restaurants, a parking garage, and a new 5,000-seat entertainment venue designed to host A-list performers and major events.
As of August 2025, MGM presented its case for a full commercial casino license from New York State. The proposal is currently under review through a mandated public process, involving community advisory committee (CAC) hearings. The first hearing took place in early August, with a second scheduled for mid-September. The CAC, consisting of five members, requires at least four votes in favor for MGM's proposal to advance for further consideration.
Public opinion is divided. Labor groups and business leaders generally support the project, citing job creation and economic growth. However, many local residents express concerns about increased traffic, noise, strain on emergency services, and flooding risks due to aging infrastructure. Yonkers city officials, including Mayor Mike Spano, have voiced their support, emphasizing the potential for transformative redevelopment, new dining options, jobs, and a unique entertainment destination in the region.
Economic arguments by MGM state that Empire City may not survive without a license upgrade due to competitive pressure from other new regional casinos. The expansion, they claim, is necessary to maintain operations.
The upcoming CAC votes and community input will shape the fate of MGM’s Empire City casino expansion. The project promises significant economic benefits such as the creation of new jobs, attraction of tourism and entertainment events, major property renovations and modernization, destination dining experiences, and enhanced regional economic growth. Balanced against these benefits are community concerns about quality of life impacts and infrastructure readiness, which remain focal points in the ongoing review process.
The location of the proposed project remains the Empire City Casino in Yonkers, New York. If approved, the project is expected to deliver thousands of jobs to the area and bring hundreds of millions in community benefits. The hearings aim to gather community feedback and provide an opportunity for the public to voice their opinions about the proposed project. The Council consists of appointees from Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assemblymember Nader Sayegh, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, and Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. The hearings are a part of the process for considering the application for a full commercial casino license. The proposed project, if approved, would turn the historic Yonkers Raceway property into a full-scale casino and entertainment destination.
- The proposed expansion for Empire City Casino in Yonkers, valued at $2.3 billion, comprises the transformation of its current racino into a Las Vegas-style casino, offering casino-games such as table games and slot machines.
- If approved, the Empire City Casino-and-gambling expansion would bring a casino with diverse games, new restaurants, entertainment venue, and other facilities, potentially benefiting the local economy and community.
