In New York City, the dismissal of the Bronx casino proposal propels the city in a fierce competition for casino ownership
Empire City Casino, operated by MGM Resorts International, is making a strong case for one of New York's three highly coveted downstate commercial casino licenses. On June 26, 2025, MGM Yonkers officially submitted its $2.3 billion proposal to the New York Gaming Commission and the Gaming Facility Location Board, outlining plans to transform the existing casino into an expanded, Vegas-style commercial casino and entertainment destination[1][2][3].
The proposal includes a full renovation and expansion of the existing casino, the addition of a high-limit lounge, a new BetMGM Sportsbook, a 5,000-seat entertainment venue, and meeting spaces for community events[1][2][3]. MGM projects significant job creation, increased tax revenue, and long-term economic benefits for Westchester County and the City of Yonkers should the license be granted[3]. If awarded a license, MGM anticipates completing all project elements by mid-2029[1][2].
The field has narrowed to eight serious competitors for the three available licenses[4]. The recent rejection of Bally's zoning application in the Bronx means one less strong competitor in the New York City metro area, potentially increasing Empire City's chances—especially since it is an established venue that already has zoning in place and requires relatively fewer resources to convert to a full commercial casino[4].
The opposition to the Bally's project was due to a lack of a clear public benefit[5]. Empire City Casino, located in Yonkers, New York, stands out as it already supports numerous Bronx nonprofits through its charitable arm and employs many Bronx residents[6]. Furthermore, Empire City Casino is just two miles from the proposed Bronx site for the rejected Bally's project[7].
The New York gaming regulators will review all applications in detail, with a decision expected by late 2025[4]. Empire City Casino remains a leading contender, particularly following the removal of Bally's from the Bronx market, but the final outcome depends on the regulators' assessment of each proposal's merits and community impact[4].
References: [1] https://www.mgmresorts.com/news/mgm-yonkers-empire-city-casino-submits-proposal-for-downstate-new-york-casino-license.html [2] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/27/business/empire-city-casino-new-york-casino-license.html [3] https://www.westfaironline.com/business/mgm-yonkers-empire-city-casino-submits-2-3b-casino-license-proposal/article_a4b0323a-1f8d-11eb-a5b7-6b78245a2bc5.html [4] https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-metro-casino-applications-downstate-new-york-20250628-7w64j67z7nd44v7kyd75574w4q-story.html [5] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/28/nyregion/bally-casino-bronx-rezoning.html [6] https://www.lohud.com/story/news/2025/06/28/empire-city-casino-yonkers-ballys-bronx-casino-new-york-casino-license/12030148002/ [7] https://www.newsday.com/business/empire-city-casino-yonkers-bally-casino-bronx-new-york-casino-license-1.53169326
- The MGM Yonkers proposal for the downstate New York casino license, with its planned Vegas-style expansion and additional casino games at Empire City Casino, positions MGM Resorts International as a significant player in casino-culture, aligning it with the vibrant casino-gambling scene in Las Vegas.
- Empire City Casino, one of the serious contenders for the three available licenses, sets itself apart from competitors with its existing zoning, charity work supporting Bronx nonprofits, and proximity to the rejected Bally's site, showcasing its integration into the local community and commitment to casino-personalities in the New York City metro area.
