Full Breakdown
Approval of Casino Proposals in Yonkers and Queens Advances New York's Gaming Landscape
9/26/2025, 6:24:12 PM
Key Developments in Casino Licensing
On September 25, 2025, two casino proposals—MGM Resorts International’s $2.3 billion expansion of Empire City Casino in Yonkers and Genting Group’s $5.5 billion proposal for Resorts World New York City at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens—received unanimous approval from their respective Community Advisory Committees (CACs). This marks a significant step forward in New York's competitive bid for three downstate casino licenses, with the New York Gaming Facility Location Board set to make final decisions by December 1, 2025. The approval of these two projects stands in stark contrast to three Manhattan proposals that were recently rejected by similar committees.
Background and Context
The New York State Gaming Commission is in the process of awarding up to three new casino licenses in the greater New York City area. To qualify, applicants must first gain approval from local CACs, which assess community sentiment and potential impacts. The Yonkers and Queens proposals are the first to clear this critical hurdle, having garnered strong local support due to their existing operations as racinos—facilities that combine horse racing with slot machines.
Economic Implications
Both projects are expected to generate significant economic benefits. MGM's Empire City Casino, located approximately 14 miles from Midtown Manhattan, currently generates about $50 million monthly in revenue. The proposed expansion would introduce live table games, a sportsbook, and a 5,000-seat entertainment venue, potentially doubling annual gambling revenue to $2.2 billion by 2027. Genting's Resorts World aims to create the largest casino in the U.S., featuring a 500,000-square-foot gaming floor, 2,000 hotel rooms, and thousands of new jobs. Local officials have expressed optimism about the economic boost these developments could bring to their communities.
Official Statements & Responses
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. stated, “This is going to be a destination. It's already a destination… but now you're talking about an international destination.” In Yonkers, City Councilman Mike Breen remarked, “I'm pretty optimistic that the state is gonna come through, that we're gonna be one of the final three.” However, some residents have voiced concerns about the potential negative impacts on local communities, emphasizing that developers may benefit more than residents.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the Yonkers and Queens proposals, there remains skepticism among some community members. Critics argue that casinos can drain wealth from local neighborhoods and may not deliver the promised benefits. Andrew Sokolof Díaz, president of the 89th Street Tenants Unidos Association in Queens, expressed concerns about the moral implications of casinos, stating, “Predatory casinos are based off draining wealth from local communities.”
What's Next
The proposals from MGM and Genting will now be reviewed by the New York Gaming Facility Location Board, which will make its final decisions by December 1, 2025. Meanwhile, three other casino proposals—Bally's in the Bronx, The Coney in Coney Island, and a project near Citi Field in Queens—are awaiting community advisory votes, with some facing significant local opposition.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are grateful to the community advisory committee and our local community for demonstrating their continued support,” — Spokesperson for Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts
- “This facility has been begging — begging — for a full casino license for years,” — Joe Apicella, Yonkers CAC member
- “Resorts World has always been a good neighbor and I believe they are a very honest partner in community development,” — Sen. James Sanders (D-Queens)
The approval of these casino proposals represents a pivotal moment in New York's gaming landscape, with potential long-term implications for local economies and community dynamics.
