Empire City Casino Review

---

GamblingDom.comCasino ReviewsNew York Casinos & Gambling

• Slots and Video Poker:
• Table Games:
• Poker:
• Sportsbook:
• Hotel:

Play OnlineReceive Offers

Empire City Casino is located at Yonkers Raceway in New York and is on of the closest casinos to NYC. This makes it a popular weekend destination for many New York residents. Empire City is a classic example of a New York “Racino.” It features over 5,000 slot machines and virtual table games as well as a horse racing track. Unlike many popular casinos in other places across the United States, Empire City utilizes “virtual lottery terminals” versus the RNG systems used by casinos in places like Atlantic City.

While Yonkers Raceway has existed since the 1890’s, the casino here is fairly new – first opening in 2006. That year, the casino underwent a “soft” opening. Despite not running any serious advertisements, they still managed to do over $3 million of revenue in their first week. Needless to say, today it is still one of the most popular casinos in NY, partially because of its relative closeness to the city. It has recently been gaining more and more competition however, especially with the recent opening of Resorts World Casino in Queens and the racino at Saratoga.

Casino at Empire City

Unlike a few others in the area, the Empire City Casino is operating under the New York State Lottery Laws, so the age to participate here is just 18. Generally, the casino includes a total of 5,300 “slot machines” in addition to a variety of virtual board games, keno and video poker. The slots here are not your common machines, which use a randomly delivered number (RGN) system, but rather they use a lottery-type system regulated by the state. They are still able to offer popular amusement themes that you are probably aware of like Wheel of Fortune, Top Dollar, Triple Double Diamond etc. The slot machines here are available in currencies ranging from 1¢ to $100.

Because the casino does not have a full gaming license, the table games do not have dealers and are consequently fully robotic. Virtual table games available at Empire City include craps, roulette, blackjack, baccarat and sic bo. The limits at table games range from $10 to $2,500. Occasionally, unlike most other casinos that are open 24 hours a day, Empire City is only opened 10am-6am Monday-Sunday. I think that’s not entirely inconvenient, but is definitely unusual for a casino. It’s also worth considering that their electronic blackjack tables pay 3-2 on blackjacks.

I personally find it way more thrilling to play table games with a live dealer rather than staring at an automated electric machine. That said, I would prefer to just drive the additional hour or two to visit Atlantic City than travel to a Racino like Empire City. Naturally, it would be convenient, and simple, if you have a car and live close-by. Still though, Atlantic City is just 2 hours from the center of NYC, compared to Empire City which is still 30-45 minutes. I guess in the end it comes down to your personal preferences and what your preferred casino activities are.

Racetrack at Yonkers Raceway

If you have ever bet on horses or visited an OTB parlor, you have likely heard of Yonkers Raceway. The racetrack at Yonkers is one of the oldest in American, which first opened in 1899 as the “Empire City Raceway” (hence the name of the casino today). It features a half mile standardbred harness racing dirt track which runs races 5 days a week. Frequent races make Yonkers/Empire City a great place to enjoy during the summer and spring months, and can offer you some fresh-air if you’re there for the casino. Considering it gets pretty cold in New York in the fall/winter months, I would recommend visiting the track here in the spring/summer months.

Restaurants and Bars at Empire City

Empire City offers a few dining options, though not as much as some of the other large casinos. Their offerings range from quick bites to two full-fledged restaurants. One of the most popular options is the international food court which is home to everything from deli sandwiches to Chinese, Italian and American style foods. Compared to other world-class casinos, Empire City does not really compete well, but it’s offering is not entirely disappointing. Below we have outline each of the restaurant, bar and lounge options available at Empire City.

Bars/Lounges

Tequila Bar – Located on the 1st floor and open 12pm -4am.
The Winner’s Circle Bar – Located inside of the Empire Terrace Restaurant which overlooks Yonkers Raceway. Open Mon, Thu, Fri & Sat 11am-11pm and Sun 12pm-5pm.
The Entertainment Lounge – Located inside the Gotham Palace and open everyday from 12pm-4am

Restaurants

Dan Rooney’s Sports Pub
Nonno’s Trattoria
Lil’ Cocina

Hotels at Empire City

Empire City is not a traditional resort-style casino and unfortunately does not offer a hotel, spa, pool or other amenities. This is pretty inconvenient, considering the closest hotel is a few miles away. There are several hotels located nearby though, which will sometimes offer special deals and promotions if you mention that you are staying at Empire City. You can also stay in New York City and drive to Empire, as it is just a quick 30-45 minute (19 mile) drive without traffic. I would still say that you’re better off driving to Atlantic City, but that’s just me.

Related Posts:

• New York Casinos & Gambling
• United Kingdom Casinos
• Brazil Casinos
• Argentina Casinos
• US Gambling & Casinos Guide
• Albania Casinos

User Reviews

1. Therapist

   Date: October 14, 2018 Author: Lisa

   I play d slots, which r pretty good payouts. A lot of people hold in to two or three slots. Very selfish and greedy. There should b security to put a stop this. I have said this before, and I was told that they would fix this problem. But it has gotten worst. Also, The restaurant The Cocina the food sucks. Make good spanish food, not the food that is there now, which no one buys.

2. Treated like dirt

   Date: March 20, 2025 Author: Broken

   I can’t believe this place , they take every penny I have on 319/19 I visited thie dreadful place hoping for a little luck ! Every slot I went on too me for every penny ! I went to the atm witdraw at least $1200 not counting fees on each withdrawal and it didn’t matter if I played high or lowI got nothing ! I know the track you after you take out the money! And make sure that you loose ! Now I am in so much trouble I think I am going to kill myself ! I am so ashame of my behavior ! It’s like I am being raped over and over again God knows I feel like I am addicted ! And these people are do wicked . They don’t care and I know that because I am not there color the make sure I loose ! I really hate hiw you people have treated me leaving me with no othet alternative but to kell myself! I can’t face my family because I have lost so much money on going ! Most of my pay is lost at empire. I can’t hovoncany longer

3. Cheap Rewards

   Date: May 28, 2025 Author: Lisa

   I received $20.00 Free pay and $15.00 food. I spent thousands in a month and this is what I get? You guys are ripping off people and they are not getting the rewards they deserve. Keep this up and as time goes on you will be losing customers. I am going to start playing elsewhere.

4. PLEASE DONT GO HERE

   Date: June 11, 2025 Author: Timmy

   Please don’t go here , do yourself a favor!! PLEASE DONT GO TO THIS PLACE. ITS A BIG SCAM.
   I quit coming to this place because I always lost 5 K – 10 K a night. I thought I would give a try for new owners but they are actually worst. I loSt 5000$ in 2 nights. Not even one time free games. Machines are cold . They will just take your money. It is not even fun playing in this place. If you have money to throw in the garbage then come to empire city casino.

   Everything it’s controlled. You also have people that will watch you how much you spending until you spend everything and then they come and play. Desperate poor people. They are groups of people organizations that will watch every one how much is spending.

   For empire owners if they have a problem with what I just said or if they think I lied then let’s watch the cameras and see what happened. I will be more than happy to publish those videos here.

   The most disgusting place , people, service. They are big thief’s . PLEASE DONT GO HERE

Submit your Review Cancel reply

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.