If you’re heading to Yonkers expecting a full spread of blackjack, craps, and roulette, you’re in for a surprise. The short answer is no—Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts does not offer traditional, live-dealer table games. Because it operates as a racino under New York state lottery laws rather than a full commercial gaming license, the floor is populated almost entirely by electronic gaming machines. But that doesn't mean you can't scratch that card-game itch. It just looks a little different than the Bellagio.
The Electronic Table Games Experience at Empire City
While you won't find a dealer flipping cards or spinning a physical wheel, Empire City has invested heavily in electronic table games (ETGs). These aren't just video poker terminals stuck in a corner. We're talking about stadium-style gaming setups that mimic the vibe of a live pit. You sit at a terminal with a screen, place your bets digitally, and watch the action unfold via a live video feed or a random number generator (RNG).
The most popular options here are electronic blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. In the stadium setups, you often see a virtual representation of a dealer, or sometimes a large central screen displays the cards or wheel. It allows for lower minimum bets—often starting at $1 or $5—because there’s no dealer salary to pay. For players who get intimidated by the pressure of a live table or just want to practice basic strategy without an audience, this setup is actually a major perk. You get the rules of the game without the side-eye from other players when you hit on a 16.
Craps and Roulette Variations
Craps is usually the hardest game to replicate digitally, but Empire City uses bubble craps machines. These are quirky hybrids where a large, clear dome encloses physical dice that pop and bounce via air pressure. Players bet on touchscreens surrounding the machine. It captures the chaotic energy of the dice roll without the physical contact. Similarly, their roulette options often include automated wheels where a real ball is spun mechanically, ensuring the result is determined by physics rather than just code, which gives some players more confidence in the fairness of the game.
Why Empire City Doesn’t Offer Live Table Games
This is where state legislation gets in the way of the fun. Empire City is technically a lottery terminal facility, often called a "racino" because it sits alongside the Yonkers Raceway. Under current New York law, facilities with this designation are restricted to video lottery terminals (VLTs) and electronic games. To spread live table games like poker or blackjack, a venue needs a full commercial casino license.
Downstate New York has been awaiting the awarding of three full casino licenses, and MGM Resorts (the owner of Empire City) is a heavy favorite to convert this property into a full-scale casino. Until that happens and the licensing fees are paid, the felt tables stay in storage. It’s a frustrating distinction for players: you are playing the same games, with the same odds, but you’re tapping a screen instead of tossing chips to a dealer.
Empire City vs. Full-Service Casinos in New York
If you are dead set on a live dealer experience, you’ll need to travel north. Resorts World Catskills in Monticello and Rivers Casino in Schenectady operate with full gaming licenses. They offer the traditional pits, cocktail service at the table, and the palpable tension of live play that a machine just can't replicate. Empire City’s advantage is purely logistical; it is about 30 minutes from Midtown Manhattan, making it the only viable option for a quick gambling fix for millions of New Yorkers without leaving the metro area.
| Casino | Table Games Offered | Distance from NYC | Game Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empire City (Yonkers) | Electronic Only | ~15 miles | ETGs, Slots, VLTs |
| Resorts World Catskills | Live & Electronic | ~90 miles | Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Poker |
| Rivers Casino (Schenectady) | Live & Electronic | ~170 miles | Full pit, Sportsbook |
Big Apple Bonuses: Playing Online Instead
Here is the workaround for New York players who want live dealers without a two-hour drive: social casinos and sweepstakes casinos. Since real-money online casinos aren't fully legalized in New York yet (unlike New Jersey or Pennsylvania), players often turn to platforms like BetRivers.net or Fortune Coins. These sites use a sweepstakes model where you play with virtual currency but can redeem "Sweeps Coins" for cash prizes.
These platforms offer live dealer studio streams—actual human dealers on camera—bringing the casino floor to your phone. While you won't find the regulated real-money apps of DraftKings Casino or FanDuel Casino available for NY play just yet, the social casino market fills that gap with surprisingly high-quality live streams for blackjack and roulette. It’s arguably a better experience for table game purists than the electronic terminals at the physical casino in Yonkers.
Sports Betting at the Venue
One thing Empire City does have is a retail sportsbook. BetMGM operates a sports betting lounge on-site. While you can't play live poker, you can bet on the Yankees or the Giants. It’s a full-service sportsbook with betting windows and kiosks, allowing for a different kind of interactive gambling that doesn't rely on the lottery terminal restrictions. This is currently the only form of "live" wagering interaction available at the property.
Future Outlook: Will Empire City Get Real Tables?
The landscape is shifting. New York state officials have been inching toward issuing the three downstate casino licenses. MGM has made it clear that if Empire City secures a license, the plan is to expand the gaming floor to include traditional table games. This would transform the venue from a slot parlor into a destination rivaling anything in Atlantic City.
For now, the ETA is uncertain. Optimists hope for a decision and rollout within the next year or two, but political red tape often slows these processes down. If you are planning a visit today, manage your expectations: bring a mask if you prefer anonymity at the tables, because at Empire City, the table is a screen, and the dealer is digital.
FAQ
Can I play poker at Empire City Casino?
No, there is no poker room at Empire City. You cannot play Texas Hold'em or Omaha against other players. However, you can find video poker terminals and electronic table game versions of Three Card Poker or Let It Ride where you play against the house.
Are the blackjack games at Empire City fair?
Yes. The machines operate under strict New York Lottery regulations. They use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to determine outcomes. The house edge is comparable to standard blackjack, though you should always check the specific rules on the machine, such as whether blackjack pays 6:5 or 3:2, as this affects your odds significantly.
Does Empire City have craps?
It has electronic craps, often called "bubble craps." There are no dice you can touch. Instead, you bet on a screen while mechanical dice pop inside a glass dome. It functions with the same rules as standard craps but lacks the social aspect of passing the dice.
What is the minimum bet for table games at Empire City?
Since the table games are electronic, minimums are often much lower than live casinos. You can frequently find $1 or $5 minimum bets on electronic blackjack or roulette, making it a budget-friendly option compared to the $15 or $25 minimums common at live tables in Atlantic City.