Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts Set to Officially Submit Application for Full-Gaming License from New York State.
YONKERS, NY – June 26, 2025 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced that the City has approved the zoning ordinance and zoning map amendment establishing the property at Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts (810 Yonkers Avenue, Yonkers) as a designated Casino District. Yonkers City Council unanimously voted in favor of the zoning classification during Wednesday evening’s Council meeting.
The approval paves the way for the expansion of the existing property into a full-scale commercial casino with Class III slot machines, live-dealer table games, and retail sports betting, pending New York State approval. The new zoning classification comes as Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts submits its application to New York State by the June 27th deadline to obtain one of three full-gaming licenses set to be awarded by the end of this year.
Yonkers is on its way to winning big in spurring transformative economic growth, job creation, entertainment and more,” said Mayor 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. Working with our community members, city leaders and MGM Resorts, we have the support and commitment needed for this project to succeed right out of the gate — providing economic benefits for the city, county and state while making Yonkers a premier destination. Thank you to our City Council for getting this done and setting the stage for a Yonkers win.”
In the coming weeks, the City of Yonkers and MGM Resorts will approve final terms of its Community Benefits Agreement, that address key priorities including public safety, traffic and infrastructure improvements, tax payments, job creation and overall quality-of-life enhancements. MGM Resorts will then return to the Yonkers Planning Board to complete final site plan approval. In September, a Community Advisory Council, composed of city, state and county elected officials, will vote to approve the proposed project and confirm it meets all community requirements and benefit commitments.
“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. The zone change to establish the Casino District is about more than development—it’s about safeguarding quality of life, creating good jobs, and ensuring this project works for the people of my district,” said Yonkers City Council Majority Leader John Rubbo. “The zone change addresses the concerns we’ve heard loud and clear—from additional funding for public safety and sector cars, to investments in flooding mitigation and infrastructure improvements. I’m proud to work with Mayor Spano to make sure this project delivers for our entire city, and I look forward to announcing even more community benefits in the weeks ahead.”
The first phase of MGM Resorts development plan to transform Empire City Casino into MGM Empire City includes the creation of a world-class, Las Vegas-style casino floor with live-dealer table games and a state-of-the-art sportsbook, a 5,000-capacity entertainment venue to host A-list performances, meeting and event space, three new full-service restaurants, and renovations to existing dining venues, with more to come.
The submission of the commercial casino license application marks a pivotal milestone in a decades-long effort to unlock Empire City Casino’s full potential and deliver lasting benefits to the region.
No comments:
Post a Comment