Courtesy Empire City Casino
With an annual economic output just under a billion dollars, Empire City Casino has only been expanding in recent years and shows no sign of slowing.
Over the past 11 years, right under our noses, Empire City Casino has become the largest private employer and taxpayer in Yonkers. “We’re quietly operating as one of the biggest success stories in New York’s gaming landscape,” says Taryn Duffy, Director of Public Affairs.
Empire City Casino, one of the few family-owned casinos nationwide, has more than 14 unions and over 1,200 employees, two-thirds of which reside in Westchester County. The casino operates off of 21% of revenue after paying a combined 79% in taxes for the state and Yonkers Raceway, while maintaining an annual payroll of nearly $50 million.
The annual economic output of Empire City Casino was $888 million in 2016 and continues to grow each year. This growth has allowed Empire City Casino to generate more than $3 billion for schools in New York State ($25 million each month after a 70% tax rate) — which also aids in lowering property taxes.
With these impressive numbers, Empire City Casino is beating the odds. According to Duffy, many upstate casinos have fallen below the projected revenues in the past several months. But Empire City Casino’s numbers show revenue increase each year.
As the 6th largest gaming floor in America, it is estimated that the casino annually hosts eight million visitors from the tri-state area. Empire City Casino also holds the titles for record-breaking jackpots in state-regulated casinos and just broke their own record with a new $2.9 million slot jackpot.
The casino credits their continued success to a $50 million expansion in 2013, as well as nightly live entertainment, DJs, comedians, multiple dining options, and the acquisition of high-tech blackjack and three card poker machines with options of craps, roulette, baccarat, and sic bo.
“We’re proud of our growth,” says Empire City Casino spokesperson Taryn Duffy ”but anxiously await the opportunity to have a full gaming license that will allow us to have live table games and grow our property to its full potential.”
