MGM Resorts International has unveiled ambitious and ‘transformative’ plans if awarded a commercial casino licence for its historic Yonkers, New York site.
The group has outlined key elements of the phase one design, including a comprehensive casino floor redevelopment and expansion, 5,000-capacity entertainment venue, state-of-the-art BetMGM sportsbook, food and beverage outlets by celebrated chefs, cocktail bars and lounges.
Bill Hornbuckle, President and Chief Executive Officer, MGM Resorts, commented: “MGM Resorts has a long and proud history of delivering world-class entertainment and gaming experiences, and we couldn’t be more excited to build on that track record at MGM Empire City.
“A full-scale casino and entertainment destination will provide unparalleled experiences, create thousands of jobs, boost the state’s economy, and be a game-changer for the entire region.”
It also emphasised the importance of the plans when it comes to the local economy, providing a key boost in terms of local hospitality and employment.
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano added on the potential impact of the plans: “This is a momentous opportunity for the City of Yonkers, and I’m excited for the future, knowing the development of MGM Empire City will create thousands of good-paying union jobs and the economic growth that will ensure our city continues to flourish and prosper.
“Already drawing millions of guests annually, this development plan will solidify Empire City’s status as a premier entertainment destination. Generations of Yonkers residents have worked at, enjoyed, and supported this historic property for 125 years, and I am excited about the significant impacts this project will have for residents now and for the next 125 years.”
Ed Domingo, General Manager of Empire City Casino, also commented: “When MGM Resorts acquired Empire City Casino in 2019, we knew we were becoming stewards of a historic institution that has served generations of New Yorkers as a gathering place for entertainment, a source of jobs for the community, and a driver of economic development.
“As MGM Resorts prepares to enter its sixth year at the helm of this iconic property, we are excited to be able to combine the knowledge we have developed of the New York market with our expertise as a global entertainment brand, to bring the next chapter of New York’s entertainment landscape to the incredible community we are part of.”
A commercial casino licence will also enable MGM Empire City to introduce The BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge, offering guests lively game day experiences with a 112-foot wrap-around LED screen, stadium seating, VIP areas, multiple betting kiosks and food and beverage operations.
At the start of the year, the framework was set for casino operators in the Big Apple as the New York Gaming Facility Board unanimously voted to issue a Request for Applications, which reveals that licences will run for between 10 and 30 years depending on the proposed total investment of the applicant’s project.
Furthermore, there was a key update later in the year as the state sought to answer questions of casino operators that had fuelled interest in the area.
In what was a much-anticipated release, officials in the region provided answers to an initial batch of questions, in response to a range of stakeholders interested in securing one of three much coveted downstate casino licences.
Among the multitude of issues examined are taxation, workforce development plans, sustainability, capital investment, lobbying restrictions, community advisory committees and diversity efforts.
