Yonkers’ Casino Bid: A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity for Jobs, Investment, and Revenue

The battle for New York’s remaining commercial casino licenses is heating up, and Yonkers has a lot at stake. While New York City’s five boroughs have garnered significant attention in the competition, the only applicant in Zone 1, Region 1—consisting of Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam counties—is MGM Resorts, operator of Empire City Casino and Yonkers Raceway.

If MGM is successful in securing a full commercial casino license, it would trigger a revenue-sharing structure that directly benefits local governments—a crucial distinction between Yonkers and the competing proposals within the five boroughs.

A Revenue Windfall for Local Governments

Under the state’s commercial casino law, a casino in Zone 1, Region 1 is required to share tax revenues with its host city and surrounding counties. This does not apply to casinos awarded within New York City, making the Empire City bid uniquely beneficial for its surrounding communities.

Here’s what that means in real dollars:

City of Yonkers: 10% of the taxes generated, projected at $35 million annually, with potential growth as casino revenues increase.
Westchester County: 5% of the taxes, projected at $17 million annually.
Putnam & Rockland Counties: Share an additional 5% of the tax revenues.
Beyond these direct allocations, Yonkers would receive significantly more revenue from property taxes, income taxes on a projected $300 million payroll, sales taxes, and additional economic activity spurred by a full-scale casino.

MGM’s Record-Breaking Investment & Job Creation

MGM Resorts has already invested nearly $1 billion in Empire City Casino and Yonkers Raceway since acquiring the property. If awarded a full casino license, MGM has committed to investing an additional $2.2 billion, bringing its total investment to more than $3.2 billion—the largest single-property investment the company has ever made.

Economic & Job Creation Highlights

10,000 union construction jobs to build the expanded casino resort
2,000 new permanent union jobs, with full-time compensation packages averaging $150,000 annually
A significant boost to local businesses, tourism, and hospitality industries
A 125-Year Legacy & A Proven Economic Engine

Empire City’s history dates back more than 125 years, having accepted wagers at Yonkers Raceway since 1899. The casino, which has operated successfully for over 18 years, already generates more than $300 million annually for New York’s education fund—a requirement it would maintain under a commercial license.

Additionally, Empire City will continue to provide $60 million annually to subsidize harness racing—a financial commitment not all casino applicants must make.

A High-Stakes Competition for Licenses

Securing one of the state’s remaining three commercial casino licenses is an intense, high-stakes battle. Yonkers is up against proposals in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, backed by some of the largest real estate developers and global gaming giants.

An independent gaming market study commissioned by the New York State Gaming Commission revealed that if Empire City is not awarded a commercial casino license, its ability to compete as a VLT facility would be unsustainable. Without a license, the likelihood of its long-term survival is in jeopardy.

Yonkers Must Rise to the Challenge

This is a David vs. Goliath fight—but it’s one Yonkers must take seriously. A private economic development project of this scale is once-in-a-generation.

With thousands of jobs, billions in investment, and tens of millions in annual tax revenue at stake, Yonkers and Westchester must mobilize and advocate for their fair share.

The competition will be fierce, but when it comes to fighting for its future—our bet is on Yonkers.

Under the current timeline, casino hopefuls must submit their applications by June 27. A five-person state panel will make final decisions on the three winners by Dec. 1. That panel — the Gaming Facility Location Board — has been shaken up in recent months by the unexplained resignations of two of its members, although both vacancies have been filled.