Transforming to a full casino would create thousands of high-quality jobs and new economic opportunities in communities across New York. As well, MGM is lobbying to get Empire City Casino upgraded to full casino status, which would permit the installation of table games on the casino floor. Their long-range plans are to implement online sports betting through their BetMGM brand once it is legalized in New York State. In 2019, gaming giant MGM purchased Yonkers Raceway and Empire City Casino. Another $50 million expansion in 2013 added an additional 66,000 square feet, including a new gaming floor with 700 more slot machines and two new restaurants, bringing the total on site up to five. In 2006, Yonkers Raceway underwent a $225 million renovation in order to install 7,500 slot machines in what became known as Empire City Casino. The one-half mile dirt standardbred track is situated at the corner of Central Park Avenue and Yonkers Avenue in Yonkers, N.Y., close to the New York City border. It opened in 1899 and was then known as Empire City Racetrack. Yonkers Raceway is among the most historic harness racing tracks in the United States.
