YONKERS, NY (October 15, 2025) — MGM Resorts International’s abrupt withdrawal of its $2.3 billion commercial casino license application for Empire City Casino in Yonkers has sparked outrage in Westchester County, with local leaders questioning potential political pressure tied to a lucrative deal between Bally’s Corporation and Donald Trump for a rival site at the former Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point.
The project, submitted to the New York Gaming Commission and the Gaming Facility Location Board on June 26, envisioned a full renovation and expansion of Empire City Casino’s gaming areas, an expansive high-limit lounge, a state-of-the-art BetMGM Sportsbook for retail sports betting, a 5,000-person entertainment venue with meeting space for A-list performances, graduations and community events, three new full-service restaurants, renovations to existing food and beverage venues, and a parking garage featuring solar energy arrays and electric vehicle spaces. MGM anticipated completing all elements by mid-2029 if awarded the license, with significant investments in public infrastructure including roads, water lines and traffic technology, alongside energy-efficient water conservation and solar harnessing methods.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins expressed shock and dismay over MGM’s Oct. 14 decision to pull the application, calling it a betrayal after decades of community support for the project promising good-paying jobs, new investment and long-term economic stability for Yonkers and the county. “I am both shocked, disappointed, and deeply dismayed by MGM Resorts’ decision to withdraw its commercial casino license application for Empire City Casino from consideration by the New York Gaming Commission and the Gaming Facility Location Board,” Jenkins said in a statement. “Frankly, this decision makes little sense — especially after MGM had just been celebrating its advancement through the first round of the process.”
The proposal detailed how 20% of generated tax revenue would go to local areas, with 10% to the City of Yonkers, 5% to Westchester County and 5% divided between Rockland and Putnam counties. It estimated thousands of direct, induced and indirect jobs from the economic activity, building on Empire City’s generation of more than $5 billion for New York State education since opening in 2006, including $1.6 billion under MGM’s ownership since 2019. “Empire City Casino and Yonkers Raceway have anchored the entertainment and tourism culture in downstate New York for more than a century. Achieving a full casino license will ensure this site will continue to be a cultural and economic force for generations to come,” said Bill Hornbuckle, president and CEO of MGM Resorts International, at the time of submission.
Jenkins echoed concerns raised by Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, who suggested the move could stem from political influence or pressure from the Trump administration or the president himself, forcing MGM’s hand to default to Bally’s — a shift that could result in a profit of roughly $115 million for Trump. Spano, in a statement posted on X, described the withdrawal as “nothing short of a betrayal to the people of Yonkers and Westchester County,” calling for an independent investigation by Gov. Kathy Hochul into the process.
“It’s no secret that the big winner from this reversal will be Bally’s proposal for a casino at the former Trump Links in Whitestone,” Spano wrote. “It’s also no secret that Bally’s has a deal with Donald Trump that they will pay him an additional $115 million if they can open a casino there.” He questioned any linkage between MGM’s decision and the financial benefit to Trump, demanding assurances that the process was not tainted or manipulated. “People need to be assured that there is no linkage between MGM’s decision and the massive financial benefit to Donald Trump,” Spano added. “The people of Yonkers deserve to know if this process was tainted or manipulated in any way.”
MGM cited shifting competitive and economic assumptions since submitting its application in June, including four proposals clustered in a small geographic area and new state guidance limiting the license to 15 years instead of the anticipated 30. “The newly defined competitive landscape – with four proposals clustered in a small geographic area – challenges the returns we initially anticipated from this project,” the company said in a statement. “Taken together, these events result in a proposition that no longer aligns with our commitment to capital stewardship, nor to that of our real estate partner in Yonkers, VICI.”
The company, which acquired Empire City Casino in 2019, emphasized its ongoing commitment to operating the property in its current format, noting it has generated more than $5 billion for New York State education, including $1.6 billion under its ownership. MGM blamed the state government for the withdrawal but did not address Spano’s call for other bidders to pull out under the same rules.
The controversy ties directly to Bally’s recent acquisition of Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point Park in the Bronx, announced by The Trump Organization as a “monumental sale” effective immediately. The property, an 18-hole links-style Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course opened in 2015 under Trump management, includes a 20,000-square-foot clubhouse and has earned accolades such as “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses” from Golf Digest and “Top 100 Courses You Can Play” from Golf.com and GolfWeek.
Eric Trump, executive vice president of The Trump Organization, praised the site’s development after the city “wasted hundreds of millions of dollars of taxpayer money in its prior failed attempts.” He noted Bally’s made an “exceptional offer” for the “trophy asset,” wishing them luck in maintaining its world-class status. The sale assumes Bally’s operation and management, supporting local businesses and employing hundreds of New Yorkers annually.
Spano highlighted Empire City’s inability to survive without a full gaming license, questioning why MGM would “sign their own death warrant” amid overwhelming public support, workforce readiness and infrastructure in Yonkers. “Our city has stood ready with the workforce, the infrastructure, and the overwhelming public support for full gaming at Empire City,” he said. “MGM’s blaming New York State Government for their withdrawal rings hollow. The same rules apply to the other bidders. Why aren’t they pulling out as well? Something doesn’t add up here. The people deserve answers.”
Westchester officials remain committed to supporting MGM and ensuring the community continues to thrive despite the setback.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.
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