Empire City Casino applies for full-scale casino status

Some of the world's top casino operators and world developers are nowsubmitting their applications to open a full-scale casino here in downstate New York.The application process officially opened yesterday, after the state'sgaming committee unanimously voted to issue a request for applications.This could meanimmense growth for MGM Resorts' Empire City Casino and Yonkers.
MGM released astatement to News 12 today, saying in part, "A full-scale casino offeringa world-class gaming experience in Yonkers is a game-changer that willtransform the community with an influx of 13,000 jobs, including thousands ofdirect hires, and $1 billion in economic activity to the region."Only up to three licenses will be granted, and the high stakes competition has garneredinterest from Ceasars, Wynn and the Hard Rock.But in his first sit-down interview, Empire City's General Manager, EdDomingo said MGM has a unique advantage because the property is alreadyoperating thousands of slot machines. "We are a $600 million gross gamingproperty today. We think that number can easily get to a billion dollars."