Empire City Casino in Yonkers is getting a significant facelift, raising its likelihood of receiving a commercial casino license.
The MGM Resorts-owned New York casino is adding over 1,000 state-of-the-art games to its floor. Empire City will also replace over 20% of its games with updated options. The update includes almost 5,000 slot machines and electronic table games.
As part of its planning, Empire City researched the games bettors enjoy most to bring the most popular to the busy New York casino.
New regulations made upgrades possible
A casino overhauling this much gaming equipment at once is unheard of. But recent amendments from the New York State Gaming Commission allowed Empire City to bring in more games and titles than under the old regulations.
Empire City can now move outdated and underperforming games thanks to new laws. Frest titles on the casino floor will surely enhance the experience for the casino’s nine million annual guests.
Light & Wonder, Aristocrat Gaming and Konami Gaming are contributing new titles to the Empire City glow-up.
Empire City’s executive director of slot operations Ryan Munroe oversees the enhancement project. Munroe aims to update everything from penny slots to $200 max bet machines. He said:
“If you think the casino floor looks different, you are right. In my 15 years working at Empire City, I can’t remember a time where we’ve had so many new games hit the gaming floor over a relatively short time period. MGM Resorts continues to make the necessary investments to ensure a top-tier experience for our guests. Empire City also has some of the highest payouts in the industry, which means that more of the money played at Empire City is returned as payouts to our guests.”
Empire City casino license looks like a sure bet
There are currently three downstate casino licenses available. Locations will play a big factor as New York and New Jersey compete for marketshare along the Eastern Seaboard.
Getting a license grants the ability to offer live dealer table games, NY retail sports betting, slot machines and more. And, with a license, Empire City could transform into a full-fledged Vegas-style casino.
Industry trackers view Empire City and Resorts World NYC in Queens as two sure-fire recipients of downstate NY casino licenses. With these massive upgrades coming to Empire City, the casino’s case for receiving a license only strengthens.
Before the New York State Gaming Commission grants a license to any hopeful casinos, the Gaming Facility Location Board must first approve their application.
