Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway Reaches Historic $1 Billion Milestone in Contributions to General Fund to Aid Education in New York State

NEW YORK, Oct. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway has reached an historic $1 billion milestone in contributions to the general fund earmarked to aid education in New York State, it was announced today by Raceway President Timothy J. Rooney.  The total was reached this past weekend, almost four years to the date (October 11, 2006) of the casino opening, making the average contribution $250 million annually during the four year period.

The property exceeded over $400 million in estimated annual contributions over the last 12 months.

Additionally, since the opening of Empire City Casino, the City of Yonkers has received an amount estimated at $50 million dollars annually from the Casino and the NYS lottery.

"When Mike Spano initiated the call for video lottery terminals in New York State in the late 1990's, who would have thought that the revenue for education would reach the amazing total of $1 billion in four short years," said raceway General Manager Bob Galterio.

"The operation of the casino has certainly had a significant and positive impact on the revenues and budget of New York State," added Galterio.

"Just a few years ago, a big for sale sign was on the Yonkers Raceway. Standing here today in recognition of the $1 billion provided by the Raceway for our children's education is a testament to the success the Raceway has brought to our state and to the city of Yonkers. On top of the billion dollars provided for our state's education system, the Raceway has become Yonkers' largest employer and will continue to provide our city with over $20 million in additional revenue annually that goes directly into our classrooms. I am proud to have the state's most successful Raceway right here in Yonkers and look forward to the future success the Casino will bring to our city and New York State," said Assemblyman Mike Spano (D,C,WF-Yonkers).

Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway features 5,300 slot machines, and first opened its doors in 2006 following a two year, $250 million renovation. Empire City is located at 810 Yonkers Avenue at Central Avenue (exit 2, I-87).

SOURCE Empire City Casino