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MGM Resorts Nixes Casino Plan for Yonkers

Sports Writer

Publish Date: Oct 20, 2025

Fact checked by: Sara Jane Gamelli

Key Points

MGM Resorts no longer wants to be considered for a casino gaming license in downstate NY
Bally's is now considered a favorite to grab a casino gaming license at Ferry Point
State regulators can issue as many as three casino licenses in NYC and downstate area

MGM Resorts was considered the leading contender for a casino in New York city and the downstate region. But that's not going to happen now: the company has withdrawn its proposal for the Empire City Casino in Yonkers.

The decision removes MGM Resorts from contention for one of the casino gaming licenses the state can issue for the downstate, NYC-area.

With MGM out of the picture, a plan for a casino in Queens by Steve Cohen and Hard Rock is now emerging as a favorite for a license. Also in the running is a plan by Resorts World, also in Queens, and a casino in the Bronx by Bally's and partners.

MGM was blunt in its statement announcing the decision to withdraw. The company cited the changing nature of the gaming landscape in the state and downstate region. It's anticipated that the high price tag ($500 million license fee) also contributed to the backtrack.

The state can grant a casino license to any of the three approved plans at any time. However, it's possible that local authorities could hold up the process with public hearings or approvals. It's even possible that referendum votes could take place.

Cohen leads group hoping to place casino near Citi Field

Steve Cohen is the billionaire owner of the New York Mets. He's sunk significant money into his assets, and promises much more. The proposed Metropolitan Park would be located next door to the home of the Mets, Citi Field. The price tag for such a development is more than a billion, and would include an entertainment district, a resort and hotel, and retail spaces.

The Bally's casino plan may have added incentive: it's rumored that if the plan goes through on land owned by the Trump Organization, the president's company will earn $115 million for it being placed on its property.

At least one local politician is steamed at the MGM decision. Yonkers mayor Mike Spano released a statement that says the MGM decisions “don’t add up.” His city was promised jobs and economic infusion. Instead, Yonkers is now without a viable plan for a casino.

New York's Gaming Facility Location Board can make a decision on a gaming license for downstate no later than December 1. It can technically issue as many as three licenses, but it's expected that only one plan will be chosen to kickstart the retail casino gaming industry in New York city and the surrounding area.

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