Two of New York State’s best-performing existing gaming venues are the frontrunners to receive commercial casino licence in the state, after gaining approval from their Community Advisory Committees (CAC).

Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) and MGM Empire City both received unanimous approval Thursday from their respective CACs to advance their casino proposals to the New York Gaming Facility Location Board, which will award the state’s three new commercial casino licences by year-end.

After three rival casino bids in Manhattan were rejected by their CACs earlier this week, Resorts World and Empire become the first bidders to move onto the next step in the casino bidding process.

MGM plans to reinvest $2.3 billion to transform the Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway into a commercial casino and entertainment destination, while continuing to operate its historic horseracing track and parimutuel operations.

Since opening in October 2006, Empire City Casino has generated more than $5 billion for New York State education, including $1.6 billion since MGM Resorts assumed ownership in 2019.

The enlarged venue has forecast between $1.03 billion and $1.39 billion in annual gross gaming revenue (GGR), which is an increase of between 92 per cent and 129 per cent over current video lottery terminal (VLT) operations.

Meanwhile, Genting Group-owned Resorts World NYC plans to expand its existing operations into a $5.5 billion integrated resort, which will generate $1 billion in new incremental revenue by next year.

Since opening in 2011, RWNYC has become the nation’s highest-grossing VLT casino property and New York State’s largest taxpayer, having contributed more than $4.5 billion to the state’s public education fund.

“On behalf of the entire Resorts World team, I want to thank the Community Advisory Committee for recognizing the impact we will have not only on Queens but all of New York City and State,” said Robert DeSalvio, president of Genting Americas East. “We are incredibly grateful to the large number of residents, partners, and supporters who touted this project, without a single person speaking against it. This is a testament to our mission – solidified over the last 15 years – to be the best neighbor possible here in Queens.”

The remaining three bidders will have their final CAC vote meetings early next week. 

Votes for Bally’s Bronx and The Coney’s will take place on Monday, while Metropolitan Park’s vote takes place on Tuesday.