MGM Resorts CEO & President Bill Hornbuckle Visits Empire City Casino to Honor Property Peace Officer and Reinforce Company’s Commitment to New York

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Yonkers, NY – MGM Resorts International CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle visited Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts as the company pursues a commercial gaming license for Empire City. Hornbuckle attended an employee recognition event, engaging with many of Empire City’s more than 800 team members along with visitors throughout the gaming destination.

Hornbuckle attended an employee recognition event where Empire City Peace Officer Anthony Gendelmen was honored for his heroic actions towards saving a person’s life. A few weeks ago, Gendelmen was driving home from his Empire City shift when he saw a local teenager struck by a speeding vehicle on Yonkers Avenue and Dunwoodie Street. Gendelmen immediately pulled over to deliver first aid and remained with the resident until first responders arrived.

Empire City Peace Officers are recognized law enforcement personnel who receive training to ensure a safe environment for all guests and employees, including extensive first aid training. Peace Officers, unique to New York gaming facilities with horse racing tracks, are authorized to make arrests for any crimes committed on property and work closely with Yonkers Police Department (YPD) and the local District Attorney. They are also fully trained to administer Narcan and receive extensive de-escalation training.      

“Officer Anthony Gendelmen’s heroic actions exemplify the impact each of our team members has not just within in our operations, but among our neighbors as well,” said Hornbuckle. “We’re committed to serving and enhancing every community where we operate, reinforcing our role as a leader and partner throughout Westchester County and beyond.”

Hornbuckle visits each regional property in the MGM Resorts portfolio regularly to meet with leadership and interact with the lifeblood of each property: the thousands of employees serving its millions of guests each year. Empire City is a critical component of the MGM Resorts ecosystem, boasting the largest casino floor in the company’s domestic portfolio of more than 20 gaming destinations. Empire City is also home to the historic Yonkers Raceway, a world-renowned horse racing harness track that MGM Resorts has invested more than $700,000 in since acquiring the property five years ago.

MGM Resorts commitment to philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, and volunteerism starts at the top with Hornbuckle and trickles down across the company’s portfolio of properties. The company has set ambitious 2025 goals as part of its Social Impact and Sustainability mission, “Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity & Protecting the Plant”, including surpassing one million employee volunteer hours.  The company is also laser focused on its philanthropic pillars of food insecurity, public education, and workforce development, supporting many local community organizations that deliver key services to New Yorkers.  Hornbuckle is also personally passionate about the future of the tourism industry, currently serving as Chair of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, which advises the U.S. Secretary of Commerce on policy, regulation, programs, and issues that impact travel throughout in the United States.

Since opening as a racino in 2006, Empire City has generated nearly $5 billion for state education. Empire City is Yonkers’s largest tax contributor and one of its largest private employers. Future development plans will substantially boost workforce numbers with two thousand direct hires, over 13,000 anticipated indirect and induced jobs and provide more than $1 billion in economic impact for the region. The property currently spends tens of millions annually on local goods and services, keeping New York dollars in the state. For more information on Empire City, visit online at www.empirecitycasino.com.

About Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts

Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts is one of the largest entertainment and gaming destinations in the northeast. Featuring nearly 4,700 of the hottest slots, electronic three card poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat and sic bo table games, Empire City Casino also offers guests year-round harness racing and international simulcasting; live entertainment including the best party, tribute, and Latin bands; New York’s hottest DJ’s, and more. A selection of dining options will satisfy even the most discerning palate with fan-favorite fare at The Pub, and convenient delicious options at Lil’ Cocina and the Big Kitchen International Food Court. Visit Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts located at 810 Yonkers Avenue (off I-87 at Central Avenue) Yonkers, NY, Westchester County, open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. Empire City Casino is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information, visit www.empirecitycasino.com or call 914.968.4200. 

About MGM Resorts International

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is an S&P 500® global entertainment company with national and international locations featuring best-in-class hotels and casinos, state-of-the-art meetings and conference spaces, incredible live and theatrical entertainment experiences, and an extensive array of restaurant, nightlife and retail offerings. MGM Resorts creates immersive, iconic experiences through its suite of Las Vegas-inspired brands. The MGM Resorts portfolio encompasses 31 unique hotel and gaming destinations globally, including some of the most recognizable resort brands in the industry. The Company’s 50/50 venture, BetMGM, LLC, offers U.S. sports betting and online gaming through market-leading brands, including BetMGM and partypoker, and the Company’s subsidiary LeoVegas AB offers sports betting and online gaming through market-leading brands in several jurisdictions throughout Europe. The Company is currently pursuing targeted expansion in Asia through the integrated resort opportunity in Japan. Through its “Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet” philosophy, MGM Resorts commits to creating a more sustainable future, while striving to make a bigger difference in the lives of its employees, guests, and in the communities where it operates. The global employees of MGM Resorts are proud of their company for being recognized as one of FORTUNE® Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies®.

Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts Media Contacts

Josh Knoller, Nicholas & Lence Communications, (201) 294-9586, josh@nicholaslence.com 

Maria Cray, Nicholas & Lence Communications, (508) 245-6564, maria@nicholaslence.com

 Tatiana Diaz 
Community Affairs Manager 

Empire City Casino
Phone: 914-457-2442
E-mail: tdiaz@empirecitycasino.com