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Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano is pushing for expedited approval of MGM Resorts’ casino application downstate. He argues the project could generate revenue that could have a positive impact on the city. Spano made the appeal at a press conference on Tuesday, May 20, emphasizing that no more time should be wasted in stimulating the city’s economic growth. Under his administration, he promises job growth and increased revenue in Yonkers, which are tied to the casino project’s application for approval.
Spano’s claim is supported by the city’s extensive gambling community. Many residents say they are increasingly turning to online casinos due to a lack of local resources. While online casinos with sweepstakes prizes are becoming an increasingly popular choice for hobby gamblers, as they offer lucrative no deposit bonuses, many wish they could diversify their gaming habits and mix them up in a local, in person casino.
Spano is confident that MGM’s plan to expand its Empire City Casino into a full-fledged resort has the potential to create thousands of new jobs once it opens. According to the American Gaming Association, the gaming industry has already supported 1.8 million jobs with $104 billion income in labour by 2023. Spano is confident these numbers can be exceeded in the future if actions are taken wisely. He claims that approving a new resort in Yonkers has a strategic advantage due to its proximity to New York City. Yonkers could benefit from the nation’s largest metropolitan market.
Spano has long been a champion of the MGM project and first spoke publicly about it in late 2023. Although he officially has no decision-making power regarding the process, experts believe he still has influence over the responsible decision-makers. In his State of The City Speech on March 26, Spano said that the application of MGM Empire City to become a class III casino could “potentially [be] the most significant boost to our economy going forward” (page 4).
In addition, the question of whether Empire City receives one of the three licenses would be crucial for Yonkers. The granting of the license would bring potential investment and the creation of new jobs. Spano believes this could represent great potential for Yonkers. Without the permit, however, Empire City would have little future, and the city could lose its largest private employer.
Now Spano is again exerting pressure, demanding immediate approval for an MGM casino. He argues that a Class III license would allow Empire City to significantly expand its current offerings. According to the American Gaming Association, slot machines and table games in US casinos generated a total of $4.48 billion in 2025, more than ever before. This is 0.3 percent more than in March 2024, when the previous record of $4.46 billion was reached.
The prospect of expanding casino gaming options and therefore increasing revenue is appealing. In addition to slot machines and video poker, table games, poker, and sports betting would also be permitted. The bid would transform the Empire City Casino into a luxury resort that, according to MGM’s estimates, could generate over $1 billion to support the local economy.
With a full casino license, Yonkers’ economic prospects look good. The casino resort would not only promise new jobs for the local community but also enhance the city’s international image. Optimized gaming opportunities would boost tourism and generate revenue not only from the casino but also from other areas such as hospitality and accommodations.
The additional tax revenue that an expanded casino operation could generate would give the City of Yonkers the opportunity to make much-needed investments. The money could be invested in public infrastructure, educational facilities, and social programs. Local authorities expect millions of dollars in revenue in the first few years alone, which could be used for good deeds like school renovations and public transportation improvements.
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