Empire City, located in Yonkers, New York, is a comprehensive entertainment venue that combines elements of a casino, amusement park, and live event space. The facility was previously known as the New York Racing Association’s Aqueduct Racino but underwent significant renovations to transform into an empire-style resort.
Overview
The Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway features 5,200 slot machines, electronic table games, and a variety Empire City (Yonkers) online casino of dining options. Visitors can also enjoy live harness racing during the racing season, which typically runs from April through November. The casino offers simulcast wagering on various horse racing tracks worldwide.
History
Empire City has its roots in the former Empire City Race Track, established in 1890 as one of several major thoroughbred racetracks in New York State. After a series of restructurings and renovations throughout the years, it reopened in 2006 under new management with an expanded casino offering electronic gaming options.
Transformations Over Time
When initially opening its doors in 1911, Empire City had more than 15 miles of track for racing thoroughbreds. This extensive racetrack allowed organizers to stage major events like the Belmont Stakes’ precursor and attracted large crowds during peak racing seasons.
Throughout World War II, New York faced economic hardship due to wartime austerity measures and taxes on recreational activities. Consequently, many state tracks struggled financially, but Empire City continued operating by adapting its business model to accommodate growing popularity for quarter-horse racing.
The introduction of Las Vegas-style slot machines in the 1990s had a transformative impact on traditional casino operations at Empire City. Initially introduced as an entertainment offering and later becoming more integrated into overall gaming options available within the venue, this innovation significantly altered customer behavior and generated significant revenue streams.
Background on Aqueduct Racino
From April to November 2007, visitors of Empire City Casino could explore what was once known as the New York Racing Association’s (NYRA) Aqueduct Racino. Constructed at a former racetrack site, it initially opened under this name and offered about 3,300 slot machines for customers.
The NYRA operated Aqueduct Racino until mid-2011, when Empire City’s then-owner, Jeffrey Daiter, completed purchasing the gaming rights to operate electronic slots and table games. Following Daiter’s ownership changeover from NYRA, the operation transitioned into becoming a dedicated casino space rather than its original racetrack/ casino hybrid model.
Current Status
Under Yonkers’ Mayor Michael Spano’s leadership, Empire City went through significant transformations during 2011-13 that involved rebranding and updating facilities to increase its appeal. A more substantial renovation occurred between 2020-22 where new dining options were introduced along with aesthetic modernizations.
Types of Games Available
Visitors can enjoy a variety of electronic games at Empire City, including:
- Classic Slots (Video Lottery Terminals)
- Progressive Slot Machines (e.g., Wheel of Fortune and MegaBucks)
- Table Games (Blackjack, Craps, Baccarat)
Users may also take advantage of various promotions that offer extra rewards for playing selected slot machines throughout the year.
User Experience
To provide customers with a comprehensive entertainment experience, Empire City offers several dining venues serving food and beverages:
- Empire Diner: A classic American eatery offering burgers, salads, sandwiches, etc.
- Deli 24/7 (at OTB): Serving breakfast items through late-night meals and snacks
- The Lounge: Where guests can unwind with drinks while taking in events.
During peak racing seasons or special occasions like holidays, live harness racing adds a distinctive ambiance for spectators who attend the track’s major horse shows within their scheduled meet calendar periods throughout each year (usually April to November).
Types of Events and Entertainment
Empire City hosts an assortment of recurring festivals that attract locals as well as visitors interested in experiencing unique performances:
- Concerts and live music events: Spanning a wide range from pop/rock bands, jazz quartets up until blues musicians.
- Horse racing meets and stakes races (track’s primary focus).
- Holiday-themed parties including Halloween festivities featuring face painting & dancing.
Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway has also diversified its business offerings by adding hotel rooms within walking distance from the gaming area through partnerships established between local lodging providers and management groups managing various parts of this entertainment destination site property holdings today.
It’s worth noting that no such information exists for “Empire City” in Yonkers.