The Empire City Casino in Yonkers is hoping to get lucky with a full gaming license—a move that has the potential to create 2,500 local jobs.
Full-scale gaming licenses in New York’s downstate region become valid next year. Empire City Casino is one of the top contenders for one of the three available licenses.
Operated by MGM Resorts, Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway is a fixture of Westchester County. Taryn Duffy, vice president of public affairs for MGM Resorts’ Northeast Group, is optimistic about the casino’s expansion.
In a recent interview with Westchester Journal News, Duffy said there would be a hiring spree of up to 2,500 positions if Empire City secured a full-scale gaming concession.
The full-scale license would allow Empire City to convert from an electronic table game and video lottery terminal facility into a Las Vegas or Atlantic City-style casino resort.
Duffy went on to speak about the potential for expanded third-party job creation as a result of the casino expansion. From construction workers to contractors, the expansion could mean a jackpot of opportunities for area workers.
MGM Takes The Lead With Yonkers Raceway
In May 2018, MGM Resorts acquired Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway for $850 million. The deal was finalized in January 2019. The casino was then sold to MGM Growth Properties and later acquired by VICI Properties, the real estate investment trust of Caesars Entertainment.
With a full-scale gaming license, Empire City Casino could feature live dealer tables, slot machines, and retail sport betting. In fiscal year 2021/2022, the casino generated gross gaming revenue of $624.6 million—with more than 50% of revenue going towards supporting public education through New York State taxes.
