08 Jan 20252 min. read

Empire City Casino is investing in New York's education sector and is preparing for significant upgrades

Empire City Casino is investing in New York's education sector and is preparing for significant upgrades
Sam Smith
written and last updated by Sam Smith at 08 Jan 2025 Journalist, Editorial Department
Empire City Casino, owned by MGM Resorts, has reached a significant milestone in its contribution to the development of New York State. Since acquiring the Yonkers facility in 2019 for $850 million, the owners have directed over $1.3 billion towards educational needs, ensuring stable funding for schools.
Founded in 2006 as a venue for video lottery terminals (VLTs), Empire City Casino has become an integral part of the state's economic growth, significantly impacting Westchester and the Bronx counties. The casino contributes approximately $25 million monthly to local schools.
In addition to its educational initiatives, Empire City generates hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue, which supports local and state governments as well as the horse racing industry. These investments reinforce the casino's role in the regional economy, creating conditions for further growth.
Since acquiring the property, MGM Resorts has actively invested in modernizing Empire City. Improvements have been made to the historic elements of the Yonkers racetrack, including upgrades to the track surface, lighting, and scoreboard. The gaming area has also been revamped, featuring VIP zones and modern workspaces.
MGM Resorts plans a major overhaul of the facility. If the operator secures a commercial gaming license in New York, it will be able to introduce dealer tables, sports betting, and Las Vegas-style slots. Additionally, a large entertainment complex is in the works, which will include an expanded gaming area, a 5,000-person event space, and exclusive restaurants. These changes are expected to boost the casino's economic activity by more than $1 billion.
MGM Resorts' leadership views the upcoming enhancements as an opportunity to strengthen ties with the local community and position Empire City as a key regional hub. This project highlights the dual role of the casino as both a significant financial investor and a socially responsible business ready for a new phase of development.
It is worth noting that MGM Resorts has unveiled a concept for a revamped casino resort in New York.

Blog

Explore more interesting news

Games from the provider Amigo Gaming have been added to the Elantil platform
04 Dec 2025 Games from the provider Amigo Gaming have been added to the Elantil platform

Amigo Gaming has announced a new partnership with Elantil, a company renowned for its flexible, modern, and operator-focused approach. As part of the agreement, the ...

Brazilian authorities have decided to implement a modest increase in tax rates for the gambling industry
03 Dec 2025 Brazilian authorities have decided to implement a modest increase in tax rates for the gambling industry

The Brazilian Senate's Economic Affairs Committee (CAE) has approved a bill to gradually increase the gross gaming revenue (GGR) tax for casino operators from 12% ...

The provider Pragmatic Play has signed a multi-product agreement with the Peruvian operator Loterías Torito
02 Dec 2025 The provider Pragmatic Play has signed a multi-product agreement with the Peruvian operator Loterías Torito

Pragmatic Play has announced a new partnership with Loterías Torito, aimed at strengthening the provider's position in the regulated Peruvian iGaming market. This agreement will ...

Revenue at Jeju Dream Tower Casino surged by 96.9% in November 2025
01 Dec 2025 Revenue at Jeju Dream Tower Casino surged by 96.9% in November 2025

Lotte Tour Development Co. Ltd, the owner of the South Korean casino Jeju Dream Tower, has released its financial results for November 2025. During this ...

Genting Malaysia, the casino operator, reported significant improvements in the group's financial performance for the third quarter of 2025
28 Nov 2025 Genting Malaysia, the casino operator, reported significant improvements in the group's financial performance for the third quarter of 2025

Genting Malaysia's revenues significantly exceeded forecasts for the third quarter of 2025. The group's total revenue rose by 22% year-on-year, reaching $813 million (63.6 billion ...

A player at the online casino DraftKings has hit a record jackpot on the slot machine Huff N’ Even More Puff
27 Nov 2025 A player at the online casino DraftKings has hit a record jackpot on the slot machine Huff N’ Even More Puff

A user of the online casino DraftKings in Michigan has set a new record for the American gambling industry by winning the largest jackpot in ...

The provider Amigo Gaming has entered the Peruvian gaming market in partnership with operator Meridianbet
26 Nov 2025 The provider Amigo Gaming has entered the Peruvian gaming market in partnership with operator Meridianbet

Content provider for online casinos, Amigo Gaming, is continuing its expansion in Latin America. The company has announced an extension of its strategic partnership with ...

Land-based casinos and online gaming platforms contributed to a significant increase in tax revenues for Brazil in 2025
25 Nov 2025 Land-based casinos and online gaming platforms contributed to a significant increase in tax revenues for Brazil in 2025

The regulated sectors of online betting and land-based gambling have played a crucial role in the significant increase in Brazil's tax revenues in October and ...

Finnish authorities have unveiled plans to establish an open iGaming market in the country
24 Nov 2025 Finnish authorities have unveiled plans to establish an open iGaming market in the country

Finland is steadily moving towards the licensing of its iGaming sector. Today, the country's authorities published two draft technical documents that will form part of ...

Aviamasters by BGaming has been awarded the title of Best Casino Game of 2025 at the SiGMA Central Europe Awards
21 Nov 2025 Aviamasters by BGaming has been awarded the title of Best Casino Game of 2025 at the SiGMA Central Europe Awards

BGaming, a prominent game developer, has been honored with the prestigious SiGMA Central Europe Award for "Best Casino Game of 2025" for its viral hit, ...

Ontario's gambling industry reached record highs in October 2025
20 Nov 2025 Ontario's gambling industry reached record highs in October 2025

The iGaming industry in Ontario set record results in October 2025, achieving its highest figures since the launch of the regulated market in 2022. According ...

Game content developer Booming Games is continuing its European expansion with a new launch in Portugal
19 Nov 2025 Game content developer Booming Games is continuing its European expansion with a new launch in Portugal

Booming Gaming has announced a partnership with online casino operator Placard, marking the supplier's debut in Portugal's regulated iGaming market and strengthening its presence in ...

GambleCrush App for Windows Download App not to miss updates