Resorts World, Empire City Approved for Next Stage

Resorts World New York City and MGM Empire City each won unanimous approval from their local Community Advisory Committees this week, clearing a major hurdle in New York’s process to award three commercial casino licences by year-end. With other Manhattan bids knocked out earlier, these two long-running properties are now the first to move to the New York Gaming Facility Location Board for final consideration.

The CAC votes are significant but not decisive. They validate each project’s community outreach and economic arguments, yet the Board’s final decision will weigh those factors alongside broader state priorities. Still, the unanimous support signals momentum that could reshape New York’s land-based gaming landscape.

Big-scale investment promises — and big numbers to back it up

MGM plans a $2.3 billion reinvestment to convert the Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway into a full commercial casino and entertainment complex while preserving its horseracing and parimutuel operations. Empire City’s track record is hard to ignore: since opening in October 2006 it has generated more than $5 billion for New York State education, including $1.6 billion under MGM’s ownership since 2019. The expanded venue projects annual gross gaming revenue between $1.03 billion and $1.39 billion — roughly 92% to 129% above current VLT operations.

For a closer look at the venue and what it offers players, see our Empire City Casino review. The site also promotes a headline-grabbing 500% welcome bonus for new players — a high-impact offer that bettors should check now as the licensing process unfolds and availability could tighten.

Resorts World’s $5.5 billion vision for Queens with proven tax muscle

Genting Group’s Resorts World NYC is pitching a $5.5 billion integrated resort expansion that the company says will deliver roughly $1 billion in new incremental revenue within a year of opening. Resorts World’s VLT operation, open since 2011, is among the nation’s highest-grossing and has contributed more than $4.5 billion to New York’s public education fund. Robert DeSalvio, president of Genting Americas East, highlighted unanimous local support and a community record that included no speakers opposed to the project.

Our Resorts World New York City Casino review breaks down the property and its options for players. Resorts World is also promoting a $50 Free Play welcome package — an easy entry-point for casual players that tends to move quickly when bids advance through the regulatory process.

Games, partners and what players might expect next

Both venues already host popular gaming suppliers and titles that matter to players and operators alike. Resorts World relies on Pragmatic Play content, including widely played titles such as the Big Bass Bonanza collection; explore the Big Bass Bonanza Keeping it Reel slot to see the kind of inventory tied to that supplier. Empire City’s gaming floor includes slots and systems from Booming Games, Greentube, Novomatic and Red Rake Gaming — a diverse lineup likely to expand with commercial status.

If either project secures a licence, expect larger-scale entertainment programming alongside upgraded casino floors, higher-stakes slots, and elevated VIP offerings — moves designed to grow GGR while maintaining the trackside and community components regulators emphasized.

What to watch in the week ahead

Three other Manhattan-area bidders will hold their final Community Advisory Committee votes early next week: Bally’s Bronx and The Coney’s on Monday, and Metropolitan Park on Tuesday. Those votes could change the boardroom dynamics heading into the Gaming Facility Location Board’s deliberations.

The Board will decide which three projects receive licences by the end of the year. Until then, these approvals are an important signal of local buy-in and economic promise, but not a guarantee. For players and observers, the next few weeks are crucial: if either Resorts World or Empire City secures final approval, the market could shift rapidly — and promotional windows tied to those properties may tighten as plans advance. Keep an eye on CAC outcomes and the Board’s timeline if you’re tracking new venues, investments, or welcome offers tied to these bids.