By Josh Beckerman
MGM Resorts, which owns the slot- and electronic-game-focused Empire City Casino in Yonkers, N.Y., submitted a New York state application for a full-fledged casino with live games such as poker and blackjack.
The Las Vegas company's plans include the addition of a 5,000-capacity entertainment venue and a BetMGM Sportsbook.
If MGM Yonkers is awarded a commercial casino license, the company anticipates completing all project elements by mid-2029.
Other top prospects for New York City-area licenses include Genting Group--owner of Resorts World New York City in Queens--and New York Mets owner Steve Cohen. SL Green Realty, Caesars Entertainment and Jay-Z's Roc Nation are looking to open a hotel and casino in Times Square.
According to media reports, Wynn Resorts ended plans to work with Related Cos. on a Hudson Yards casino and Las Vegas Sands called off its casino plan for the site of Nassau Coliseum.
The City of Yonkers said Thursday that it approved zoning for an Empire City expansion.
MGM Resorts said the application details financial benefits under a planned revenue-share formula. If a license is awarded to Empire City, 20% of the generated tax revenue would be distributed, with 10% directed to the City of Yonkers, 5% to Westchester County and 5% divided between Rockland and Putnam counties, the company said.
State regulators have been conducting a competitive bid process for three downstate licenses. Applications are due Friday. Casinos currently operating upstate include Resort World Catskills.
Write to Josh Beckerman at josh.beckerman@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
06-26-25 1834ET
