Tara Rosenblum

Lee Danuff

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Jun 26, 2025, 5:42 PM

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Updated

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Bids are due to the state's Gaming Commission by Friday for a chance at one for three coveted downstate full casino licenses.

The Turn To Tara team got an exclusive look at a proposal from The Coney team and the unique strategy its backers hope will give them the edge.

If awarded the license, the developers behind the Brooklyn-based proposal say they will launch a $75 million community safety fund aimed at bolstering local fire, police and EMS services over the next five years in direct response to neighborhood concerns.

The new fund comes in addition to the already announced $200 million community trust and marks the latest move in a fierce competition for one of the full casino licenses

The team is also announcing its first local restaurant partner: Brooklyn chef and entrepreneur Brenda Castellanos, co-owner of Ix and Taqueria El Patron.

The restaurant would be one of 20 food destinations inside the proposed entertainment and hospitality complex, which would include a 500-room hotel, 92,000 square feet of convention space and more than an acre of public parkland

The Turn To Tara team has also learned that the MGM Yonkers submitted its license application on Thursday to the New York Gaming Commission and Gaming Facility Location Board, which includes a $2.3 billion proposal to transform its Empire City Casino site into a commercial casino and entertainment destination.

The plans include the full renovation and expansion of Empire City Casino's existing gaming areas, an expansive high-limit lounge and the addition of a state-of-the art BetMGM Sportsbook, offering retail sports betting. The plan also envisions the addition of a 5,000 person maximum capacity entertainment venue and accompanying meeting space for performances and other special events.

It also includes three new full-service restaurants and the renovation of existing food and beverage venues.

The state is expected to select the winning proposals by the end of the year.

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The Turn to Tara team also spoke with Bally's chairman hours after inking a deal with the Trump Organization for a Bronx golf course.

The Turn To Tara team took an all-access tour of Resorts World New York as the casino prepares to make a bid for a full-scale gaming license.

The Turn To Tara team took a trip to Coney Island for an exclusive interview with a casino executive who is placing his bets on creating a casino and entertainment district near the world-famous boardwalk.

The CEO of North America's largest gaming operator sat down with News 12's Tara Rosenblum about in-depth plans to place a full-scale Las Vegas-style casino in the heart of Times Square if given the opportunity.

News 12's Tara Rosenblum was joined by Empire City Casino General Manager Ed Domingo to discuss why MGM Resorts is rolling the dice on Yonkers.

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