Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway

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Update: MGM Resorts International announced on Nov. 30, 2023, its vision to transition Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts from a video lottery terminal racino to a full-scale Las Vegas-style casino, MGM Empire City, if awarded a commercial casino license for its Yonkers, New York site. The plans include live dealer table games, new slots and a high-limit gaming area. Other planned amenities of note include several new high-end dining experiences, a new parking garage with direct access to the casino and amenities. The entertainment venue will also host A-list performers and events in a state-of-the-art, 5,000-capacity arena. 

If granted a commercial casino license, MGM Empire City will also be able to introduce The BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge, offering guests lively game day experiences with a 112-foot wrap-around LED screen, stadium seating, VIP areas, multiple betting kiosks and food and beverage operations.

The New York State Gaming Commission has set a projected date of December 1, 2025, for licensing decisions. This means potential casino openings would be in 2026 or later. 

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Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway is located at 810 Yonkers Avenue, in Yonkers, New York, just off the 87 Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway and only 20 miles north of Times Square in Manhattan. The venue first opened in 1899 as the Empire City Race Track. The first phase of the casino development opened in 2006 and has seen several enhancements and expansions since.

Today, the casino covers over 160,000 square feet of floor space with more than 4,600 slots and video poker machines and progressives along with electronic roulette, blackjack, craps, baccarat, and sic bo tables. Dining options include the steakhouse Empire City Chophouse; The Pub, a well-appointed, high-energy sports bar; The Big Kitchen, for international grab-and-go; and Lil' Cocina for tasty quick eats, along with bars/lounges, with live entertainment throughout the week.

The race track features live harness racing all year through with 5 race days per week. Simulcast betting is open daily. The casino is open from 10am until 6am daily.

Empire Casino City is owned by Vici Properties and operated by MGM Resorts International. 

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Dining & Restaurants

The Big Kitchen

• Serving: American, Quick Eats

Empire City's grab-and-go international food court has something for everyone, including homemade pizzas, burgers on the Grill, a Noodle Bar, Deli Corner and sweets such as cakes, treats, pies and even a frozen yogurt bar. The Big Kitchen is located on the first floor, casino level. 

Lil’ Cocina

• Serving: American

Located on the first floor in the Grand Victorian Hall, Lil’ Cocina is the perfect place to grab a quick bit. Choose from sandwiches, burritos, pastries, soups, tasty fried items and more.

The Pub

• Serving: American Pub

With 47 TVs and bar-top gaming, you won't miss any action while enjoying tasty food and drinks at The Pub. Located just steps away from the Valet entrance. 

Empire City Chophouse

• Serving: Steakhouse

Visitors to Empire City Chophouse enjoy an upscale and intimate setting along with light jazz music while dining on some of the finest prime steaks in town and an impressive selection of wines, served by the glass. 

 

 

Empire City Casino Venues & Hotspots

Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway Summer Concert Series

Visitors are treated to a series of about ten concerts in the summer, held on the apron just outside of the racetrack. Every year top bands perform their greatest hits and old favorites. Patrons who purchase Platinum tickets will receive the best seats as well as have a chance to meet and greet the bands. This is unprecedented access and makes every Platinum ticket holder a VIP. The series runs every weekend in July and August. Click the link above to see this year's line-up.

Bars & Lounges

Empire City Casino and Yonkers Raceway offer several entertainment and relaxation venues. The Winner's Circle Bar is located in the Empire Terrace Restaurant overlooking the racetrack. The Grand Victorian Bar is conveniently located on the first floor of the casino. For live entertainment head into Gotham Palace where you will find the Entertainment Lounge with live music 5 nights per week.

Meeting & Event Facilities

Empire City Casino has a variety of meeting and event spaces, each unique and perfectly suited to accommodate everything from small groups to weddings and business meetings to large outdoor events. Included are:

• Alley 810 - small groups - or up to 100 people
• The Red Room - flexible space, with open kitchen, wraparound bar and space to accommodate dance floor and live band
• Good Time Room - more than 4,500 sq ft of private banquet space, seating for up to 360 people, dance floor and live entertainment space
• Harness Gallery - an entire floor, multi-purpose use, trade show, boxing match, large reception etc.
• Empire Terrace - overlooks the racetrack, can name a race, view from winners circle, have your picture taken with winning horse and driver in the winner's circle
• Entertainment Lounge - located in the heart of the casino, semi-private event space, live entertainment 5 nights a week,
• Lot B - large outdoor lot, specs coming soon

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