MGM Empire City wins CAC approval, moves to next phase in New York casino licence bid

MGM Empire City has moved one step closer to securing a full casino licence in New York after gaining unanimous backing from its community advisory committee (CAC).

In Thursday morning’s vote, the Yonkers-based property became the first downstate applicant to receive approval, passing with a 5-0 decision. The outcome marks a breakthrough after three earlier bids from other applicants were rejected by their respective local committees.

With CAC approval secured, MGM must now pay a $1 million application fee to advance to the next stage of the licensing process. The proposal will be reviewed by the Gaming Facility Location Board (GFLB), a four-member panel tasked with evaluating projects under specific criteria:

Vicki Been (Chair): Appointed in 2022, professor at NYU School of Law

Terryl Brown: Appointed in 2025, VP and general counsel at Pace University

Marion Phillips III: Appointed in 2025, SVP of community development and DEI at U.S. News and World Report

Greg Reimers: Appointed in 2025, retired finance executive

The board’s primary consideration will be projected revenue impact, assessing how each casino proposal would affect both existing and potential new facilities. Applicants were required to submit revenue forecasts based on the number and location of licences issued.

Projects will then be scored across four weighted categories:

Economic Activity & Business Development (70%)

Local Impact/Siting (10%)

Workforce Enhancement (10%)

Diversity Framework (10%)

A unique aspect of the process, highlighted by MGM CEO Bill Hornbuckle, involves tax rate proposals. Bidders may propose their own rates, starting at a minimum of 25% for slot revenue and 10% for other gaming. However, MGM is expected to match current video lottery terminal (VLT) rates of about 55% while maintaining horse racing purse contributions.

Unlike the three unsuccessful CAC reviews, MGM’s committee accepted bidder amendments, submitted on 17 September, after a week of deliberation, ultimately approving them unanimously. These amendments included commitments to bolster safety and infrastructure, establish a minimum city revenue baseline equal to current contributions, reimburse the city for construction expenses, and provide other concessions.

In contrast, Bally’s Bronx is still awaiting a vote after responding to committee requests, while the Coney project faces strong opposition despite filing multiple amendments. Resorts World and Metropolitan Park have yet to submit any changes.