Empire City Push for Full Gaming License Intensifies in Albany

The Business Council of Westchester has been pushing for the state to approve full licensing for Empire City in Yonkers, which was recently acquired by MGM.

This week, The New York Times cited the BCW’s efforts in its reporting that there is a renewed push by downstate casinos to convince state Legislators to give full gaming licenses to Empire City, Aqueduct in Queens and others. They argue that it would provide badly needed revenue, especially in light of Amazon’s pull out from Long Island City.

The BCW has long argued that with an annual payroll of more than$45millionand nearly1,200 employees, Empire City is critical to the economic growth of Westchester and the state as a whole.

Other media reported this week on the BCW’s efforts on behalf of Empire City:

“The Business Council of Westchester, meanwhile, made its pitch for MGM to be able to convert its Empire City racino in Yonkers to a full casino as well. Doing so “would dramatically transform the benefits our largest employer is able to offer in the local area — as well as significantly boost the benefits for the state’s education system,” according to Nick Reisman’s State of Politics Column.

Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of The Business Council of Westchester, said that she was hopeful that the latest developments would result in Empire City finally getting its full gaming license.

“We are so glad that this issue is gaining attention in Albany – as it deserves,” she said. “It is really gratifying to see that our efforts on behalf of Empire City are being recognized and we hope it is an ongoing step in the right direction.”