New York Racing

Harness racing at Yonkers Raceway

MGM Statement On Withdrawal Of Yonkers Casino Application

October 16, 2025

MGM Yonkers Inc., a subsidiary of MGM Resorts International, withdrew its commercial casino license application to the New York State Gaming Commission and the Gaming Facility Location Board on Tuesda...

Harness racing at Yonkers Raceway

SOANY, Yonkers Reach Agreement On Racing Contract

September 23, 2025

The Standardbred Owners Association of New York (SOANY) and MGM Yonkers, Inc., owner and operator of Empire City Casino and Yonkers Raceway, announced on Tuesday, Sept. 23 that they have reached an ag...

Harness racing at Tioga Downs

Tioga Downs Casino Resort Real Estate Assets Sold

February 08, 2024

Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc. (GLPI) announced on Tuesday, Feb. 6 that it acquired the real estate assets of Tioga Downs Casino Resort in Nichols, New York from American Racing & Entertainment LL...

An artist's rendering of the exterior of MGM Empire City

MGM Resorts Unveils Vision For Yonkers Destination

December 05, 2023

MGM Resorts International has unveiled its vision to transition Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts into a world-class entertainment destination, MGM Empire City, if awarded a commercial casino license ...

Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund grants awarded to racing organizations

New York Grants Awarded To Grow Racing

New York State’s harness racing industry is benefiting from more than $440,000 in new grants from the Agriculture & New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund.

NY Bill Threatens To Cut Racing Funds

November 18, 2021

State legislation introduced in New York threatens to cut approximately $230 million in annual revenue from slot machines that's currently paid to horse racing tracks and breeders.

Yonkers Racing Agreement Reached

August 03, 2021

The Standardbred Owners Association of New York (SOANY) and MGM Yonkers, Inc. (“MGM Yonkers”), owner and operator of Empire City Casino and Yonkers Raceway, are pleased to announce that they have reac...

N.Y. Racing Reopening To Spectators

There's good news for fans of horse racing and auto racing as New York will open the events to spectators beginning April 23, said Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday (April 14).

New York Can Resume Racing June 1

In his daily press conference from Albany, N.Y. on Saturday (May 16), New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that horse racing tracks will be allowed to open on June 1.

Relief For Vernon; Gural Comments

On Wednesday, June 28, during a special legislative session, the New York State Assembly passed a relief measure in regard to the current uncertainty of Vernon Downs. On Thursday, June 29, Vernon’s Je...

No Tax Relief For Vernon

Earlier this month, Vernon Downs Chairman Jeff Gural said that the track would close if a particular tax-relief bill was not passed. Shortly before 11:30 p.m. last night (Wednesday, June 21), lawmaker...

Vernon To Close?

Usually horses are the ones on the clock at the racetrack, but in the case of Vernon Downs - now it’s the racetrack that finds itself on the clock.

Working Group To Help Guide NY Racing

On Monday, May 1, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner announced a new initiative to help grow the Standardbred horse racing industry and highlight its importance to a...