MGM Resorts boosted the profile of its Empire City property in the race for a NYC casino license by unveiling plans for a “full-scale” commercial casino. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

A new Empire

MGM Resorts International has played a potential trump card in the race for a New York City casino license by revealing plans for a “full scale commercial casino” in a revamp of its Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts property.

rebrand the existing property into MGM Empire City

MGM Resorts revealed on Thursday extensive plans to transition, redevelop, and rebrand the existing property into MGM Empire City.

A news release from the Las Vegas-based global entertainment and hospitality giant shared its vision to transform the property that, since 2006, has operated as a racino, with video lottery terminals and electronic table games under its existing lottery license.

The new-look MGM Empire City would entail a “comprehensive casino floor redevelopment and expansion […] and a state-of-the-art BetMGM sportsbook.”

MGM Resort’s Yonkers casino was already a favorite to secure one of only three licenses up for grabs in New York City. Like the Genting Group’s Resorts World New York City, MGM has existing infrastructure downstate in Empire City, a USP for state lawmakers.

Hornbuckle, mayor up the ante

President and Chief Executive Officer of MGM Resorts Bill Hornbuckle wasted no time in upping the casino license PR ante, stating his firm “couldn’t be more excited” with the proposed MGM Empire City project the CEO dubbed “a game-changer for the entire region.”

Hornbuckle added that the switch to a full-scale commercial casino and entertainment hub would “create thousands of jobs” and boost New York’s economy.

The non-casino plans include a 5,000-capacity entertainment venue with “unrivaled views” and multiple dining additions featuring “celebrated chefs, cocktail bars and lounges.” Highlights of the proposed BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge at MGM Empire City are a “112-foot wrap-around LED screen, stadium seating, VIP areas, multiple betting kiosks.”

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano added to Hornbuckle’s pitch, stating MGM Empire City will create “thousands of good-paying union jobs.”

Spano likened Empire City Casino to a community hub for Yonkers residents for 125 years, and said he was excited about how the next 125 will go, should the project be awarded a license.  

Historic venue

Joining in the community hub chorus was General Manager of Empire City Casino, Ed Domingo. In the news release Domingo stated that when MGM bought Empire City in 2019, it was to become custodian of “a historic institution” that has served generations of New Yorkers as an entertainment meet-up, a “source of jobs for the community, and a driver of economic development.”

COVID-19 hit in 2020 mere months after MGM Resorts acquired Empire City. When it was announced the property would re-open in September after being shuttered for six months, its new owners had already displayed their commitment to New York by donating $225,000 to community organizations and distributing 20,000 meals.

Domingo added that Empire City was excited to bring its next chapter to the NYC community it serves.