MGM Resorts Reaches $5 Billion Milestone In Funds Generated for Education in NYS
YONKERS—For nearly two decades, Empire City has served as a major economic engine for Westchester, the surrounding area and all of New York State. Empire City recently surpassed $5 billion of funding earmarked for New York State education, and it has contributed more than $1.3 billion of that over the past five years, a top executive of the company noted.
The $5 billion in education funds represents approximately 30% of the total funds generated for education by all video lottery terminal (VLT) casinos across the state.
On average, Empire City has contributed more than $25 million per month for education over the past 18 years. In addition to supporting education, Empire City also generates hundreds of millions of dollars annually to support harness racing, and both state and local governments.
“As we reflect on the $5 billion milestone, MGM Resorts is incredibly proud to call New York home,” said Ed Domingo, president and COO of Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts. “Our commitment to Westchester and the Bronx has only grown stronger through our investments in both Empire City and our surrounding communities. We look forward to continuing our legacy of community investment and transformation in Westchester and the Bronx for generations to come.”
With an annual payroll exceeding $90 million, Empire City plays a vital role in the local economy as a major employer. More than 90% of its workforce is unionized, and more than 70% of its employees are residents of Yonkers, Mount Vernon and the Bronx. Many of these employees have been with the casino since its opening, building long-term careers in administration and operational departments such as finance, marketing, security and food and beverage.
In its commitment to supporting local businesses, Empire City spends more than $30 million annually with vendors and suppliers located within a 20-mile radius. Empire City and MGM Resorts have also been leaders in corporate social responsibility, through ongoing employee volunteer efforts, in-kind giving, and strategic partnerships with local nonprofits that align with the core philanthropic pillars of food insecurity, public education and workforce development. Dozens of local nonprofit organizations receive hundreds of thousands of dollars each year from Empire City to support programs in these key focus areas.
Since it acquired Empire City, MGM Resorts said it has made significant investments in the property that includes enhancements to the 125-year-old historic Yonkers Raceway. Among the upgrades are a new VIP gaming room, integration into MGM Resorts’ world-class loyalty program, MGM Rewards, a new employee dining room and technology lounge as well as more than $1 million in renovations to Yonkers Raceway. Other improvements include a resurfaced and regraded track with raised turns, new LED lighting, an upgraded paddock and a state-of-the-art tote board with video capabilities.
Local Community Board Rejects West Side Casino Project
On Jan. 8, another casino project proposal went before Manhattan Community Board 4 on the borough’s West Side. At the conclusion of the hearing, Community Board 4 recommended that the city reject plans to upzone part of the area and allow a developer to build a full-scale, full-service casino near The High Line.
The advisory body voted unanimously against the casino plan for an undeveloped area near the linear public park on the West Side, according to amNY.com. With its advisory vote, the board is asking the city to deny Related Companies’ rezoning application that would enable the developer, along with Wynn Resorts, to build a $12-billion full-scale, casino-based complex.
The board’s vote is advisory only and Related can still move forward with plans that feature three skyscrapers, a hotel, public park and, as its centerpiece, a full-service casino, if it receives final approval from the City Planning Commission and the City Council at the conclusion of the uniform land use review process (ULURP).