So, you're heading to Yonkers and want to know if the slots at Empire City are worth your time and bankroll. It’s a fair question. Unlike the tribal casinos upstate or the glitzy resorts in Vegas, Empire City by MGM Resorts operates under a unique set of rules as a racino. This changes everything from the games you can play to how the payouts actually work. If you walk in expecting the same experience as Resorts World Catskills or Atlantic City, you might leave confused—and possibly lighter in the wallet.
How Video Lottery Terminals Differ From Vegas Slots
The most important thing to understand about Empire City slot machines is that most of them aren't technically "slots" in the traditional sense. Because Empire City lacks a full commercial gaming license, the machines operate as Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs). When you press that spin button, you aren't playing against the machine's own RNG (Random Number Generator) in isolation. Instead, you are tapping into a central server run by the New York Lottery.
Think of it like a scratch-off ticket on steroids. The central system determines the outcome instantly, and the reels just show you the animation of that result. Does this change your odds? Not necessarily—the payback percentages are set by the state and are competitive, usually hovering around 90-92%. But it feels different. You won't find some of the highly volatile, niche titles you see in Vegas; you are playing the state's curated selection of approved games.
Top Game Titles Available on the Floor
Despite the VLT classification, the floor is packed with recognizable faces. MGM Resorts has done a solid job populating the casino with themes players actually search for. You’ll find rows upon rows of Wheel of Fortune variations—always a crowd favorite. Buffalo Grand and the various Buffalo spin-offs are prominent, offering those high-volatility swings that can wipe you out or pay for a nice dinner in a single spin.
Other staples include Quick Hit Platinum, which remains a go-to for players chasing the progressive jackpot bonus, and Lightning Link, where the hold-and-spin feature keeps people glued to their seats for hours. While you won't find the massive linked progressive networks that span across multiple states (like Megabucks), you will find localized progressives that can still hit six figures. The selection leans heavily toward proven hits rather than experimental new mechanics.
Betting Limits and Denominations
Whether you are looking to stretch a $20 bill into an afternoon of entertainment or drop a few grand chasing a hand-pay, the spread here accommodates both. Penny slots are abundant, but be careful with the terminology. A "penny slot" often requires a minimum bet of 40 or 50 cents to activate all lines and bonus features. Betting one penny per line usually disqualifies you from the bonus rounds, which is where the real money is hidden.
For high rollers, the high-limit room offers denominations ranging from $5 to $100 per credit. These machines generally offer better payback percentages—a standard industry practice. If you are betting $50 a spin, the theoretical hold for the house is lower than if you are betting 50 cents. It’s not uncommon to see frequent smaller wins in the high-limit rooms to keep players engaged, though the variance is significantly higher.
Empire City’s New Online Casino Platform
Here is where things get interesting for players who don't want to drive to Yonkers. Since MGM Resorts acquired Empire City, they have integrated it with their national online platform, BetMGM. This allows you to play slots online legally in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, or West Virginia, but New York residents are currently in a bit of a gray area. While you can sign up for the Empire City Casino online app (often powered by BetMGM’s technology), the offerings are currently limited to free-play or promotional sweepstakes models until New York fully legalizes real-money iGaming.
However, if you cross the border into New Jersey, your Empire City loyalty account links directly to the full BetMGM NJ casino app. This gives you access to over 1,000 real-money slots, including exclusive titles that aren't available on the VLT floor in Yonkers. It’s a strategic play by MGM to capture your play regardless of where you are physically located.
MGM Rewards and Player Loyalty Integration
One of the biggest advantages of playing slots at Empire City now is the MGM Rewards connection. In the past, Yonkers was an island—your play there didn't help you in Las Vegas. Now, every dollar you cycle through the machines earns Tier Credits and MGM Rewards Points. If you are someone who travels to MGM properties like the Bellagio, MGM Grand, or Borgata, your play in Yonkers can directly influence your room comps and dining credits elsewhere.
The tiered system is straightforward. Slot play earns points faster than video poker or electronic table games. Hitting Pearl status is relatively easy for a weekend warrior, while Noir status requires serious volume. The practical benefit? Waived resort fees and priority check-in lines at MGM properties nationwide can easily outweigh the gas money you spend driving to the casino.
| Game Type | Typical Denominations | Payback % (Approx.) | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penny Slots (Buffalo, Wheel of Fortune) | $0.01 - $1.00 | 89-91% | Extensive |
| Quarter/Video Poker Hybrids | $0.25 - $5.00 | 92-94% | Moderate |
| High Limit Slots | $5.00 - $100.00 | 94-96% | Private Room |
| Progressive Jackpots (Lightning Link) | $0.50 - $5.00 | Variable | Scattered |
FAQ
Is Empire City Casino a real casino or a racino?
Technically, it is a racino. Because it operates at the Yonkers Raceway, the slot machines are Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) regulated by the New York Lottery, not Class III casino slots regulated by a gaming commission. This means the games are linked to a central server, though the player experience is nearly identical to a traditional casino.
Can I win real money on the Empire City online casino app?
Currently, the Empire City online app operates as a free-to-play social casino for New York residents. You cannot win cash prizes directly. However, if you are physically located in New Jersey, you can use the BetMGM app to play real-money slots using the same loyalty account credentials.
What is the minimum bet for slots at Empire City?
The absolute minimum bet is 1 cent per line, but to activate bonus features and progressive jackpots, most machines require a minimum total bet of 40 to 50 cents. High-limit machines require a minimum of $5 per spin.
Do Empire City slot machines pay out less than Atlantic City?
The payback percentages are competitive, generally sitting in the 90-92% range. Atlantic City slots often average slightly higher (91-93%), but the difference is marginal. The volatility of the specific machine you choose impacts your bankroll more than the jurisdiction's average payout rate.