Key Moments:
- MGM Yonkers has withdrawn its bid for a New York commercial casino license
- The company cited changing assumptions around competition and economic returns
- Three proposals now remain in the race for the New York licenses
Withdrawal of MGM Yonkers from Licensing Process
MGM Yonkers, which operates as a subsidiary of MGM Resorts, has decided to cease its pursuit of a new commercial casino license in New York. The company noted that the competitive and economic factors that originally underpinned its application in June have since changed, impacting the anticipated returns on its investment.
Challenges Cited by MGM Yonkers
The company stated, “The newly defined competitive landscape – with four proposals clustered in a small geographic area – challenges the returns we initially anticipated from this project.”
MGM Yonkers also indicated that its initial proposal focused on renovating and expanding Empire City Casino was based on the expectation of a 30-year commercial casino license. However, with new guidance from the State of New York, the company now anticipates qualifying only for a 15-year license.
“BETRAYAL”
Yonkers @MayorMikeSpano blasts @MGMResortsIntl for dropping bid for full gaming license @EmpireCCasino. Company says it needs 30 yr license to justify investment but recently learned it may qualify for just a 15 yr deal. pic.twitter.com/Jyq6keDh6q— Tony Aiello (@AielloTV) October 14, 2025
Remaining Contenders for New York Licenses
Following MGM Yonkers’ unexpected withdrawal, there are now three remaining proposals for the new commercial casino licenses:
| Proposer | Location |
|---|---|
| Steve Cohen | Casino complex adjacent to Citi Field |
| Bally’s | Former Trump golf course in The Bronx |
| Resorts World | Queen’s Aqueduct race track |
- Author
Daniel Williams
