MGM Empire City Details $2.3 Billion Casino Expansion Plan

MGM Empire City has released new information about its proposed $2.3 billion expansion to transform the Yonkers racino into a full-scale resort casino. The project is one of eight competing for three available downstate New York casino licenses.

The update came during an interview with MGM Northeast Group President Louis Theos on NY1’s Inside City Hall. Theos confirmed that the plan includes preserving horse racing at Yonkers Raceway and a commitment not to pursue residential development on the property. MGM also projects that a full casino license could nearly double its current annual gross gaming revenue of $600 million.

Project Features

The proposed expansion includes a 5,000-seat entertainment venue and the addition of approximately 2,000 permanent jobs to its current workforce of 745. MGM stated that the proportion of Yonkers residents employed at the facility would remain stable or increase. The company also outlined community initiatives such as stormwater capture projects and funding for additional police resources.

Licensing Process

MGM Empire City did not present at the initial Community Advisory Committee (CAC) hearing but later shared its proposal at a separate public meeting. Among the eight bidders, its project is described as the smallest in scale but with one of the shortest proposed timelines, targeting a July 2027 opening.

The licensing process requires each application to secure approval from at least four of six CAC members by September 30 in order to advance to the Gaming Facility Location Board. The Board will make recommendations to the New York State Gaming Commission, which is expected to announce final license decisions by the end of 2025.

Potential regulatory considerations for MGM include past compliance issues in Nevada related to anti-money laundering.

Next Steps

All eight bidders have now presented to their CACs and held at least one public meeting. State law requires each CAC to hold at least one additional hearing before voting. The next scheduled CAC public hearing will take place on September 16.