Yonkers MGM’s $2.3B Empire City Casino Plan Reveals Deep Community Divide

The second hearing is scheduled for 16 September, in which four of the five CAC members must vote in favor of the project's proceeding.

Ziv Chen

Last Updated: August 13, 2025 2:50 PM EDT • 2 minute read

Yonkers MGM’s $2.3B Empire City Casino Plan Reveals Deep Community Divide — Pictured: Electronic table games are pictured at Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts in Yonkers. Photo by Mark Vergari/The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

The first public hearing on MGM Empire City’s proposed $2.3 billion casino conversion in Yonkers highlighted a divide between local residents and labor and business leaders.

The meeting, held on Aug. 11, was the first of at least two required hearings before the project’s community advisory committee (CAC) votes on whether the bid will advance. The second hearing is scheduled for Sept. 16, in which four of the five CAC members must vote in favor of the project's proceeding.

MGM Empire City is one of eight bidders for three downstate New York full-scale casino licenses. There's no legal real money online casino market in the Empire State.

Currently operating as a “racino,” a racetrack combined with video lottery terminals (VLTs), the property would transition to a Class III casino with slot machines and table games if licensed. MGM has stated in its forecasts that Empire City could face closure if it does not secure a license, citing competition pressures if other full-scale casinos open nearby.

Only one elected official addressed the hearing. Westchester County Legislator David Tubiolo, representing District 14, which includes Yonkers, did not endorse the project and urged caution over its potential impact.

“This project will no doubt bring with it an increase in traffic, an increase in noise and an increased need for emergency and first responder services,” said Tubiolo. He also highlighted the city’s “flood-prone streets” and asked for assurances that emergency services and infrastructure would not be overburdened. “We are good neighbours – treat us as such. Help us get to yes,” he said.

Union representatives and business leaders strongly supported, while several residents opposed.

Yonkers Chamber of Commerce President Lenny Caro said the organization backed the plan “100%.” Mayor Mike Spano previously shared on X, “In Yonkers alone, Empire Casino, has brought $4 billion to offset the cost of education in New York’ since VLTs inception”.

Bally's comeback in New York

In another New York casino move, Mayor Eric Adams vetoed the New York City Council’s rejection of a zoning change essential to Bally’s $4 billion Bronx casino proposal, reviving the bid.

Adams said the move aimed to ensure a fair and competitive process for all contenders. The Council now has 10 days to override the veto. Bally’s plan includes a casino, a 500-room hotel, restaurants, and meeting space at a former Trump golf course. The site is among several competing for up to three downstate New York casino licenses by year’s end.

“To make myself abundantly clear, this is not an endorsement or expression of support giving a leg up to any casino bid over the others as the City Council has tried to do, but an action I feel is necessary to best ensure a fair and competitive process,” Mayor Adams said. “May the best applications win.”

Written by:
Ziv Chen

Ziv has over two decades of experience in the igaming and sports betting industry, having served in senior marketing and business development positions with both B2C and B2B companies, including Playtech and Microgaming. In 2019, Ziv decided to pursue his passion for writing and became a fulltime industry journalist, covering casino, sports, and gambling business news. He’s specialties include casino games and technology, US state gambling regulation, company performance, as well as gambling affiliates and marketing. As a Pitt graduate, Ziv is a diehard fan of all Pittsburgh sports teams, with the Steelers at the top of the list. In his free time, he enjoys reading crime fiction, biographies (mainly of sports personalities, but not only) and American history. Ziv’s Favorite quote: “We're going to pursue perfection, knowing full well we won't catch it, but we're going to relentlessly chase it," Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach.