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MGM Closes Empire City Casino in Yonkers

MGM Resorts International announced that it has temporarily closed Empire City Casino in Yonkers because of the coronavirus. The resort suspended operations as of 6 a.m. EST today. MGM Resorts anticipates re-opening Empire City Casino by March 28but will continue to re-evaluate the status.

Empire City is the first and only casino in New York State to close so far. According to Daily Gazette, Rivers Casino in Schenectady is limiting the number of visitors to 450 and shutting down half of its slot machines and removing chairs to allow for social distancing.

“This is a challenging time and we regret the impact closure will have on our employees, their families and the community,” said MGM Chief Operating Officer and President Bill Hornbuckle. “This is a unique and unprecedented public health crisis, and the wellbeing of everyone in the community is our most pressing concern.”

Empire City Casino has over 4,600 slot machines and electronic table games. It is located at Yonkers Raceway just off I-87.

Four of Pennsylvania’s 12 casinos have decided to close temporarily as well including Parx Casino, Harrah’s Philadelphia, Valley Forge Casino and Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh