NYC Casino Bids: Resorts World, Empire City Lead

Resorts World New York City Casino and MGM’s Empire City Casino cleared a major hurdle this week, winning unanimous approval from their respective Community Advisory Committees (CACs) to move forward in New York’s commercial casino licensing race. That endorsement sends both projects to the New York Gaming Facility Location Board, which is slated to award three commercial licences by year-end.

The approvals mark a stark contrast to recent developments in Manhattan, where three rival bids were rejected by their CACs earlier this week. With Resorts World and Empire City now advancing, they become the first bidders to pass this stage and present their full proposals to state regulators.

Big money, bigger ambitions — the figures that matter

The proposals come with headline-grabbing price tags and revenue forecasts. MGM plans a $2.3 billion reinvestment to transform Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway into a full-scale commercial casino and entertainment destination while preserving its historic horseracing and parimutuel operations. Empire City’s projection places annual gross gaming revenue (GGR) between $1.03 billion and $1.39 billion — an increase of roughly 92% to 129% over current video lottery terminal operations.

Genting’s Resorts World NYC is pitching a $5.5 billion integrated resort expansion, promising roughly $1 billion in new incremental revenue within a year of operation. Since opening in 2011, Resorts World says it has been the nation’s top-grossing VLT casino property and New York’s largest taxpayer for the segment, contributing more than $4.5 billion to the state’s public education fund.

Those claims are consequential: both venues already generate significant tax revenue and say they’ll scale those returns substantially. At the same time, these numbers are projections — built on assumptions about market demand, regulatory approvals, and construction timelines — and should be weighed against typical execution risks for projects of this scale.

What players could see — bonuses, games, and upgraded experiences

For players and visitors, the proposals promise larger floors, more amenities, and expanded gaming options. Empire City’s operations under MGM have funneled more than $5 billion into New York State education since opening in 2006, and MGM’s ownership since 2019 has coincided with a sharp revenue uptick. Learn more about the venue in our review of Empire City Casino.

Resorts World NYC is highlighting its position as a high-volume VLT property and pledges to convert that base into a broader integrated resort experience. You can read our full assessment at Resorts World New York City Casino.

On the games side, established suppliers such as Pragmatic Play are already part of the local ecosystem, powering popular titles that players recognize, from seasonal hits to Megaways releases. Our software profile on Pragmatic Play breaks down the provider’s catalog and player-facing features. As venues scale up, expect larger jackpot pools, more variety in slots and table games, and enhanced on-site promotions — though precise game mixes and online offers will depend on final licence terms and operator strategies.

Both brands list notable welcome offers on their review pages: a bold 500% welcome figure for Empire City and a $50 Free Play offer for Resorts World, which underscore the kind of incentives operators use to attract play as facilities expand. Those promos reflect current listings and should be checked for terms, eligibility, and availability as plans evolve.

Community support, scrutiny, and the road ahead

Genting Americas East president Robert DeSalvio framed Resorts World’s CAC vote as a validation of long-term community engagement, noting that public testimony during the meeting lacked opposition. MGM points to Empire City’s sustained tax contributions and the potential uplift from a larger facility as central to its case.

Still, unanimous CAC votes don’t end scrutiny. The Location Board will evaluate broader impacts — traffic, local economic benefit, workforce commitments, and how each proposal dovetails with existing horseracing and regional priorities. The remaining bidders face CAC votes early next week: Bally’s Bronx and The Coney’s on Monday, and Metropolitan Park on Tuesday. Those outcomes will shape the final slate of applicants the Board must consider.

With the Board expected to award three licences by year-end, timetables are tight. Developers will need to translate approvals into financeable, shovel-ready plans while responding to community and regulatory conditions. That combination of tight deadlines and high stakes creates momentum — and potential friction — as New York decides which projects will reshape local gaming and entertainment landscapes.

The next several weeks will reveal whether these front-runners can convert local support into official licences and, ultimately, into new destinations designed to drive revenue and visitor traffic across the state. Follow ongoing coverage for updates as the Location Board reviews the finalists and the remaining CAC votes conclude.