Chavdar Vasilev is a journalist covering the casino and sports betting market sectors for CasinoBeats. He joined CasinoBeats in May 2025 and reports on industry-shaping stories across the US and beyond, including legislative debates, market...
Read Full BioEmpire City Casino in Yonkers has paid out the largest jackpot in its history. The winner, Barnett T., a longtime player at the property, won the $2,995,532 progressive jackpot on September 25, on an IGT Wheel of Fortune Triple Stars slot machine, the casino announced on X.
A History of Big Payouts
The nearly $3 million jackpot record builds on notable past winnings at Empire City:
- Theresa P. (Ossining, NY) previously held the record with a $2,919,162 jackpot. She also won another jackpot of $1,469,368 a few months later.
- Linda P. (Connecticut) won $1,514,634.
- Howard G. (Long Island) netted $1,473,503.
- Leo R. (Yonkers) won $1,088,271.
- Walter (Yonkers) struck for $925,488.
Notably, Barnett T. joins Theresa P. as a repeat jackpot winner. A few months back, he won $46,000. While their repeat luck is extraordinary, it does not compare to that of a Florida man named Maher O., who hit 389 jackpots in a single day. The stroke of luck earned him $1.8 million in winnings at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa on July 25, 2025.
Empire City in the NY Casino Licensing Race
The record jackpot arrives at a pivotal moment for Empire City. Operated by MGM Resorts, the Yonkers racino is one of four bids in the running for a coveted full downstate New York casino license, part of a competitive process that will award three new licenses across the region.
Many view Empire City as a frontrunner as it already has an operational facility, an existing workforce, and infrastructure in place. While others, such as Metropolitan Park in Queens and Bally’s in the Bronx, propose new construction, MGM’s pitch emphasizes that it can begin work immediately, with fewer regulatory and logistical hurdles.
The licensing process has moved to the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board. The five-member Board will assess each application based on factors such as economic activity and business development, local impact and siting, workforce enhancement, and diversity.
The Board will make its recommendations for which (if any) applicants should receive licenses to the state’s Gaming Commission, which will award the licenses by the end of the year.
A $2.3 Billion Expansion Plan
MGM has proposed a $2.3 billion expansion of Empire City, contingent upon obtaining a license. Plans include:
- An expanded casino floor with table games and poker
- Nine new restaurants and five bars
- A 5,000-seat entertainment venue
- A retail sportsbook
- Solar-powered parking facilities
- Integration with the existing Yonkers Raceway
Notably, unlike the other bids, Empire City does not plan to build a hotel, although that could be reconsidered. Also, it won’t pursue residential development on the site, unlike rivals.
At Community Advisory Committee (CAC) hearings, MGM pledged to deliver projects quickly, create extensive job opportunities, and make funding commitments for local education. If approved, the expansion is slated for completion by mid-2027.
