Overview

• MGM confirmed it withdrew its Empire City application after concluding the economics no longer worked given a shortened 15‑year license and a crowded market.
• The remaining contenders are Resorts World’s Aqueduct expansion in Queens, Steve Cohen and Hard Rock’s Metropolitan Park near Citi Field, and Bally’s proposal at Ferry Point in the Bronx.
• State officials continue the siting process with the Location Board expected to select winners by early December and the Gaming Commission poised to issue final licenses by year’s end.
• Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano denounced the move as a betrayal and called for an investigation, pointing to Bally’s agreement that could yield a $115 million payment to the Trump Organization if the Bronx project is licensed.
• MGM said it will keep Empire City operating as a racino and noted the property has generated more than $5 billion for New York State education, including $1.6 billion under its ownership, while the state is not obligated to award all three licenses.