Plans Underway For Commercial Casino With No Size Limit In New York

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MGM Resorts International has revealed its ambitious vision to revamp the existing Empire City Casino in New York into a commercial casino. Situated in the Yonkers area, the Empire City Casino currently functions as a video lottery racino, featuring slots and various table games. Casino giant MGM aims to step up the facility by expanding it into a larger venue, complete with a casino equipped with live-dealer tables and even a high-limit gaming area. The proposed enhancements also include amenities such as a BetMGM Sportsbook and Lounge betting facility, multiple high-end restaurants, and even a sizable 5,000-capacity venue for shows and other entertainment.

There’s a small snag, however: the realization of the project hangs on MGM securing one of the three available full commercial casino licenses in New York. But with online gambling more popular than ever and New York’s neighboring state of New Jersey raking in $1.5 billion in revenue from internet betting, will MGM’s ambitious new venture really prove all that popular? After all, online gambling stands as a more modern and convenient alternative to traditional casino experiences, offering a host of advantages. Foremost among these benefits is the unmatched convenience that online gambling provides. A user can use real money and engage in their favorite games from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for travel or adherence to any specific dress code.

Yet, traditional casinos like the one being rolled out in Yonkers provide a world of glamour and social interaction that sets them apart from online platforms. One of the big lures is the rich social experience they offer. Physically being present in a traditional casino allows players to mingle with others, savor live entertainment, and immerse themselves in a glitzy atmosphere that online platforms struggle to fully replicate. Another bonus is the tangible rewards associated with winning at these casinos. The thrill of receiving rewards into your hands, rather than via a screen or into your bank account – whether it’s a stack of chips or simply a free drink – only serves to enhance the overall gaming experience. The tactile sensation of handling one’s winnings adds an extra layer of excitement that is unique to traditional casino settings. What’s more, traditional casinos cater to those adept at reading body language. This nuanced element adds a touch of psychology and a richness to the gaming experience which sets it apart from online casinos.

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano has endorsed MGM Resorts International’s project by emphasizing its potential to support economic growth in Yonkers. MGM estimates that establishing a full-scale casino could generate more than $1 billion in new economic activity for the area.

However, this isn’t the only new casino that’s been touted: Hard Rock International, coupled with Steve Cohen, the owner of the New York Mets has also displayed interest in acquiring a new casino license in the New York district. Their proposal involves an $8 billion casino resort in Queens, featuring a Hard Rock Hotel, a sportsbook site, a live music venue, a tailgate park, a substantial park space, and lots more. Caesars Entertainment has also expressed its intention to open a casino in New York, in collaboration with SL Green Realty, with plans to develop Caesars Palace Times Square near Times Square.