MGM Yonkers Seeks $2.3B Commercial Casino License New York

MGM Resorts International's subsidiary, MGM Yonkers Inc., has applied for a commercial casino license from the New York Gaming Commission and the Gaming Facility Location Board with a $2.3 billion proposal to transform the Empire City Casino site into a comprehensive casino and entertainment destination. The plans include renovating and expanding gaming areas, adding a high-limit lounge, a state-of-the-art BetMGM Sportsbook, a 5,000-seat entertainment venue, new dining options, and sustainability features such as solar-powered parking with electric vehicle charging stations. The development aims to benefit the City of Yonkers, Westchester County, Rockland and Putnam counties, and the State of New York through tax revenue sharing and job creation. The project is expected to be completed by mid-2029 if the commercial casino license is granted, though the approval is not guaranteed and faces potential economic and market risks. MGM emphasizes the site's historical importance and its role in local entertainment and tourism, aiming to maintain its cultural and economic significance for generations. Other contenders for New York City-area casino licenses include Genting Group and Steve Cohen, underscoring a competitive licensing environment.