Yonkers-based Empire City Casino is hopeful that in 2022 it can expand its gaming operations in New York State. The MGM Resorts property has already applied for a full commercial gaming license to the New York State Gaming Commission last year, and it believes that such expansion would allow it to bring billions of U.S. dollars in revenue for the Bronx.
At the end of last year, the New York State Gaming Commission released its Request for Information about potential candidates who would like to apply for a full commercial casino license in downstate New York. The issue of downstate casino licenses was delayed due to the commission giving upstate commercial casinos a chance to establish themselves in the industry.
Believing in its Chances
Recently, Empire City Casino marked its 15-year anniversary of operations in the state, while boasting the sixth largest gaming floor in the country. Management is hopeful that the property will be able to celebrate the special occasion by acquitting a full-scale gaming license. However, the company is set to face fierce competition as many brands are in contention for the three licenses.
Presently, the casino’s current license allows it to offer only electronic table games with virtual hosts and dealers. By acquiring a fully-fledged commercial one, it will be able to substitute virtual hosts with real-life people. But first, it needs to be approved by the New York State Gaming Commission among all other candidates.
A spokesperson for the Yonkers property, Ed Domingo said that transforming the casino into a full-scale one, will have an enormous impact on the local economy of not only Yonkers but the Bronx as a whole. Currently, more than 30% of the venue’s staff members are employees from the borough. According to data, on average, the casino spends around US$30 million every year on local suppliers, such as Manhattan Beer.
Lisa Sorin, from the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, commented by allowing Empire City Casino to become a fully-fledged one would create tons of career opportunities for people in the Bronx. By having support from locals and the fact that it is already an operational gaming venue in the state, the management of the casino is quite optimistic about its chances of securing a license.
The Other Applicants
However, it must be mentioned that MGM Resorts, will be facing plenty of competition in its pursuit of a downstate casino license. In December, the New York State Gaming Commission released the results from its Request for Information. According to the regulator, it received over 30 responses, including proposals from eight casino operators, including Genting New York, and Rush Street Gaming.
Also in December, the Shinnecock Nation has too applied for one of the three available commercial licenses in downstate New York. The tribe is optimistic that this time it will not be left out of the negotiations with the state, as it had a history of being snubbed by Former Governor Andrew Cuomo. It has applied as both interested and affected parties.
Source: “Empire City Casino hoping to strike gold with full commercial gaming license approval”, News12, January 5, 2022
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