MGM Resorts announced plans to transform its Empire City gambling facility in New York into a comprehensive casino pending the acquisition of the state’s gambling license.
Bill Hornbuckle, MGM’s President and CEO, highlighted that the envisioned full-scale casino and entertainment center would not only feature live dealer tables and numerous slot machines but also create numerous job opportunities. Hornbuckle emphasized that this initiative aims to significantly bolster the area’s and the state’s economies by generating thousands of jobs and fundamentally reshaping the region’s dynamics.
The competition for the additional casino licenses approved by the state of New York in spring 2022 has attracted several prominent players besides MGM. Steve Cohen, the owner of the New York Mets, unveiled plans to collaborate with Hard Rock International on an $8 billion casino resort at the Citi Field baseball stadium. Caesars Entertainment, partnering with rapper and media mogul Jay-Z, announced intentions to establish a casino at Times Square.
Various operators, including Las Vegas Sands, Wynn Resorts, and Universal Entertainment, have also expressed interest. The license holders are expected to be announced before the end of winter, marking a significant shift in the region’s gambling landscape.
