Time to Have Our Voices Heard In Support of Full Gaming License for Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts

Awarding Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts a full-scale commercial license has been a top legislative priority of the Business Council of Westchester (BCW) for the last several years.

New York State will award the 3 remaining commercial casino licenses by December 31st, and the field is highly competitive. What was once seen as a natural progression for Empire City is now a long shot. We need to engage right now or the significant revenues expected from this company will be lost and taxpayers and business owners will be left to fill the revenue gap.

Right now, local Community Advisory Committees (CACs) are reviewing each application to determine if there is support for the project. BCW Executive Vice President and COO John Ravitz attended, and spoke at the last CAC meeting on August 11th, reiterating the important economic development role a full-gaming license would bring to Yonkers, the county, and the region.  “We need to continue to demonstrate significant support in the coming weeks as they are expected to vote shortly after their September 16th public hearing. Voices from Yonkers and Westchester will be especially impactful,” said Ravitz.

Why this matters:

• A commercial license at Empire City will generate a transformative economic impact for our region. In year one alone, the City of Yonkers is projected to receive over $54 million in annual revenue share and tax revenues from the casino, while Westchester County will benefit from more than $17 million. Those numbers will grow year over year as the casino’s full development comes online.
• These revenues are critical now, as federal cuts are expected to create a multi-billion-dollar deficit for New York State, burdens that will ultimately trickle down to our counties, cities, and taxpayers.
• Without a license, Empire City will not be able to compete against other commercial casinos in the region, putting it at risk of closure. The loss of jobs, investment, and tax revenues would shift that additional financial burden squarely onto residents and local businesses.

How you can help:

• Submit a public comment in support of Empire City receiving a full casino license. Email: MGMEmpireCityPublicComment@nystec.com
• Suggested message: “I strongly support Empire City Casino receiving a full downstate casino license. Empire City is a major economic driver for Yonkers and Westchester. A full license will enable expansion, new jobs, additional local investment, and sustained community benefits. Without this license, Empire City would not be able to compete with other commercial casinos, risking closure and devastating our region’s economy.”
• Encourage employees, customers, and networks—especially Yonkers residents—to submit comments as well.
• Attend the upcoming public hearing to show visible support:
• Tuesday, September 16th at 6:00PM – Yonkers Montessori Academy, 160 Woodlawn Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704. Speakers will register as they arrive and be called to speak in order of registration. Three (3) minute limit on spoken comments

The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) must hear that we support this project, but more importantly, state leaders need to know that granting a commercial license in Yonkers is critical to the future of the city, county, and region.

Thank you for adding your voice and helping mobilize the community. If you have any questions or plan to attend the hearing, please contact jravitz@thebcw.org.