MGM Resorts, MGM Growth Properties to Acquire Empire City Casino in Yonkers for $850M

YONKERS, N.Y. — MGM Resorts International and MGM Growth Properties LLC have announced plans to acquire the property and operations associated with the Empire City Casino’s race track and casino for $850 million. MGM Resorts will buy the property, then transfer it to its real estate subsidiary, MGM Growth Properties, and execute a sale-leaseback transaction to make MGM Resorts the tenant on the 97-acre site. The transactions are expected to close in the first quarter. MGM Resorts will pay $850 million, including the refinancing of Empire City’s outstanding debt, which is expected to be $245 million. MGM Resorts has also agreed to pay an additional $50 million if Empire City is awarded a license for live table games on or prior to Dec. 31, 2022 and MGM Resorts accepts such license by Dec. 31, 2024. Empire City serves approximately 16 million eligible gaming customers in southern New York and is located only 15 miles from Times Square in Manhattan. The casino offers gaming, dining, and entertainment as well as slots, electronic table games and live horse racing.