Yonkers and Queens casinos move to next stage in NYS license application process

Key Points
- Three recent Manhattan proposals did not advance, leaving spots available for Empire City Casino and Resorts World
- A vote in December will determine if these casinos are approved for one of up to three available casino licenses
Two New York State casinos have cleared the first hurdle of the casino bid application process, according to a recent New York Times report.
Empire City Casino in Yonkers and Resorts World in Queens recently received approval from their local advisory committees for their casino bid applications. These approvals were granted after three Manhattan proposals were rejected, the report stated.
Empire City Casino and Resorts World were granted approval in their respective committees by unanimous vote.
According to the New York Times report, both casinos are the front runners for full casino licensing. Currently, the state has up to three spots open for casino licensing. Both casinos are contenders for these spots because they presently offer gambling services.
A vote for the casino bids is scheduled for December. New York State’s Gaming Facility Location Board will vote, followed by a decision from the Gaming Commission.
The Empire City Casino welcomed its first guests in 2006, allowing additional gaming opportunities apart from its racetrack, which opened in 1989. Since its launch, the casino has expanded to include thousands of electronic gambling machines. The casino was privately owned until 2019, when MGM Resorts purchased the property from the Rooney family.
Resorts World, located near Kennedy International Airport, launched in 2011. Since its opening, the casino has generated more than $1bn, according to its recent data. In addition to its land-based gaming floor, the property offers horseracing entertainment through the Aqueduct Racetrack, which launched in 1894.
Tags/Keywords
Players trust our reporting due to our commitment to unbiased and professional evaluations of the iGaming sector. We track hundreds of platforms and industry updates daily to ensure our news feed and leaderboards reflect the most recent market shifts. With nearly two decades of experience within iGaming, our team provides a wealth of expert knowledge. This long-standing expertise enables us to deliver thorough, reliable news and guidance to our readers.