Empire City casino and Resorts World survive one of the few remaining tests
Two major casino projects in New York have cleared an important hurdle in the state’s competitive licensing race. On Thursday, Empire City Casino in Yonkers, operated by MGM Resorts, and Resorts World at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens both received unanimous backing from their community advisory committees, giving them a crucial boost in the process.
The approvals followed a week in which three proposed casinos in Manhattan were rejected by their respective panels. Those decisions effectively removed Manhattan from contention, shifting attention to outer boroughs and nearby areas. State officials have authorized up to three full-scale casino licenses for downstate New York, making the approvals for Yonkers and Queens particularly significant.
Empire City Casino, already a fixture in Yonkers alongside the historic Yonkers Raceway, has long been seen as a strong candidate. Resorts World, which has operated for more than a decade at Aqueduct Racetrack, currently offers slot machines and electronic table games. With local approvals secured, both projects are now positioned to seek upgrades into full-scale casinos with live table games and expanded amenities.
Community advisory committees play a central role in this process. Each panel brings together state appointees, local officials, and community leaders to weigh the economic and social impact of each proposal. The unanimous decisions for both Empire City and Resorts World suggest broad local support for the jobs, investment, and economic activity these projects are expected to deliver.
Meanwhile, other bids remain under review. Bally’s has submitted a proposal for the Bronx, while The Coney has put forward plans for Coney Island in Brooklyn. Votes on those projects are scheduled for September 29. Their outcomes will further define the field of competitors seeking one of the three coveted licenses.
With the latest approvals, Empire City and Resorts World move forward to the next stage, where the New York State Gaming Commission will make the final licensing decisions. That review will weigh not only community input but also financial strength, regulatory compliance, and operational readiness.
