The casino approval timeline requires all applicants to complete all entitlement processes (land-use/zoning, environmental, etc.) as eligibility for consideration by the Gaming Commission’s Siting Board. The City of New York has amended its zoning code to allow licensed commercial casino gambling as a permitted use by right. However, some potential applicants are not currently able to avail themselves of the zoning change due to specific requirements not covered by the amendment.

Applications will be due June 27, 2025. Mandated Community Advisory Committees (CAC) will form immediately thereafter. The CACs must vote on their respective project by Sept. 30. Those applicants approved by their CAC will then submit supplemental application material—including a proposed tax rate—to the board for evaluation and consideration.

The board expects to make decisions by Dec. 1, 2025, followed by the full Gaming Commission licensure of up to three casinos in the New York metro region by Dec. 31. This ensures that New York State will collect the already-booked casino license fee(s) ahead of schedule.

2,000 New Permanent Jobs

MGM Resorts is seeking a zone change from the City of Yonkers in its campaign to replace the computerized electronic table games with live dealers as well as offer retail sports betting, Class III Vegas-style slot machines and expanded amenities at its complex off the New York State Thruway.

The Yonkers Planning Board public hearing on Jan. 8 provided residents and businesses the opportunity to comment on the project. The total investment, if approved, is projected to be more than $2 billion under the name “MGM at Empire City.”

Matthew Pepe, executive director of the Building Contractors Association of Westchester & Mid-Hudson, based in Tarrytown, was among those who spoke in favor of the project. He praised Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts for its collaborative engagement with the Yonkers and its residents, its longstanding commitment to organized labor, its industry expertise and track record, and he called the Planning Board’s attention to the financial investment to upgrade the property since January 2019 when it purchased the complex for $850 million.

“The expansion of Empire City Casino is projected to create thousands of jobs, including approximately 2,000 permanent positions upon completion,” Mr. Pepe began. “Additionally, the construction phase will require several thousand temporary construction workers, providing a significant boost to our local construction industry. This influx of employment opportunities will stimulate economic growth, support local businesses and enhance the overall vitality of our community. Conversely, if this expansion does not proceed, our industry risks losing a significant opportunity for employment and development, which could have adverse effects on the local economy.”

John Ravitz, executive vice president and COO of The Business Council of Westchester, reinforced Mr. Pepe’s comments, pointing to Empire City Casino’s long-standing engagement with the City of Yonkers about its expansion plans. If its plan is approved, Mr. Ravitz said the expansion “MGM will make it one of the largest incubators for workforce development, creating 2,000 new jobs for residents of Westchester and the Bronx.”

Mr. Ravitz concluded, “As this process moves forward, we all must remember how transformative this project will be—not just in the immediate future but for generations to come. Simply put, this is a win-win opportunity for all of us.”

Staged Development

The first phase of the MGM at Empire City development will include a comprehensive renovation and expansion of the casino floor, a 5,000-seat capacity entertainment venue, a state-of-the-art BetMGM sportsbook, three new full-service high-end restaurants, a renovation of existing food and beverage outlets, cocktail bars and lounges, and technologically advanced meeting spaces. The second phase of redevelopment could include the construction of a convention center.

No action was taken by the Yonkers Planning Board on Jan. 8. That municipal panel will continue to seek input on the DEIS. Public comment stays open for written comment until Feb. 27.