Yonkers Raceway And Empire City Casino: The Definitive 2026 Guide
Yonkers Raceway, operating alongside Empire City Casino, stands as one of the most prominent historic harness racing tracks and modern entertainment complexes in the United States. Situated in Westchester County, New York, this legendary venue merges nearly two centuries of harness racing tradition with contemporary electronic gaming, dining, and live entertainment. For visitors, racing enthusiasts, and local patrons navigating the facility in 2026, understanding its layout, operational schedules, betting mechanisms, and community footprint ensures an optimized experience.
Historical Evolution of Yonkers Raceway
Established originally as the Empire City Trotting Course in 1899—though racing roots in the area trace back to the 1830s at the historic Yonkers Trotting Association—the venue has undergone massive structural transformations. Over the decades, it transitioned from a classic dirt oval hosting legendary trotting and pacing events to a cornerstone of modern New York gaming.
The integration of video lottery terminals (VLTs) in 2006 rebranded the facility as Empire City Casino, fundamentally altering its economic ecosystem. Today, it operates under the management of MGM Resorts International, which acquired the property with plans to expand its hospitality and gaming infrastructure further through 2026 and beyond.
Technical Specifications of the Racing Oval and Operations
The racing infrastructure at Yonkers Raceway features precise engineering standards designed to accommodate elite standardbred horses.
- Track Circumference: A half-mile standard dirt oval, requiring tight turns and strategic positioning by drivers.
- Lighting and Surface: High-intensity professional track lighting for evening race cards, supported by a meticulously maintained sand-and-clay cushion surface engineered for all-weather drainage.
- Stabling Capacity: On-site barns accommodate hundreds of standardbred racehorses, featuring modern veterinary facilities and quarantine zones.
- Racing Schedule: Live harness racing operates on a consistent seasonal schedule, typically featuring cards multiple nights per week, anchored by premier stakes races.
Premier Racing Events and Stakes
The track is internationally recognized for hosting high-stakes harness events that draw top-tier drivers, trainers, and standardbreds from across North America and Europe. The most prominent event on the annual calendar is the Rooney Invitational and the companion Del Miller Memorial, alongside legs of the Trotting Triple Crown, specifically the Yonkers Trot. These events command substantial purses and attract intense wagering volume from both on-track patrons and national simulcast networks.
Gene Krupa enjoying his time at Yonkers Raceway! | History song, Empire ...
Empire City Casino: Gaming and Entertainment Overview
While live harness racing remains the historical heartbeat of the property, Empire City Casino generates the vast majority of the complex's visitor traffic and revenue. The gaming floor hosts thousands of electronic gaming devices, including electronic roulette, blackjack, craps, and video poker, alongside traditional VLTs.
Gaming Floor Standards: All electronic gaming operations at Empire City Casino comply strictly with New York State Gaming Commission regulations. Payout percentages, game odds, and terminal certifications undergo regular independent audits to ensure absolute regulatory compliance and consumer fairness.
Dining, Hospitality, and Amenities
The property features a diverse array of dining and entertainment options designed to cater to casual visitors and high-rollers alike.
- The Empire Casino Floor Dining: Multiple casual eateries, food halls, and grab-and-go stations located directly adjacent to the gaming terminals.
- Fine Dining Outlets: Upscale restaurants offering prime steaks, seafood, and curated wine lists overlooking the gaming floor or track apron.
- Live Entertainment Venues: The venue regularly hosts regional cover bands, major touring comedy acts, and special events in its designated entertainment lounges.
Navigating Your Visit: Location, Access, and Practical Logistics
Located at 810 Yonkers Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704, the facility occupies a prime geographic hub in Westchester County, immediately adjacent to major transit corridors including the Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway (I-87) and the Cross County Parkway.
Transportation and Accessibility
- By Car: Accessible via I-87 (Exit 2) and the Bronx River Parkway, featuring a massive multi-level parking garage and valet parking services.
- Public Transit: Served by several Westchester County Bee-Line bus routes (such as the B4 and B20 equivalents depending on direct local connections) linking directly from major subway and commuter rail hubs in the Bronx and lower Westchester.
- Rideshare and Taxi: Dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones are clearly marked outside the main casino and racing grandstand entrances.
Admission, Dress Code, and Age Restrictions
Understanding the operational rules prevents entry delays:
- Age Requirements: Patrons must be 18 years or older to wager on live harness racing and enter the grandstand areas. Patrons must be 21 years or older to access the Empire City Casino gaming floor and consume alcoholic beverages.
- Dress Code: Casual attire is generally acceptable throughout the casino and track grandstands, though upscale dining areas may enforce smart-casual guidelines. Athletic wear, excessively torn clothing, or offensive graphics are strictly prohibited.
Comparative Overview: Live Racing vs. Electronic Gaming
Visitors frequently balance their time between the historic racing side and the high-energy casino floor. The following operational comparison highlights key differences across facility features:
| Feature / Aspect | Live Harness Racing (The Grandstand) | Empire City Casino (VLTs & Electronic Table Games) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 Years Old | 21 Years Old |
| Primary Activity | Pari-mutuel wagering on live standardbred horses | Electronic slots, video poker, and virtual table games |
| Operating Hours | Seasonal evening race cards (Typically post time ~7:00 PM) | Daily extended hours (Often 10:00 AM to 4:00 AM or 24/7 select days) |
| Atmosphere | Historic, open-air grandstand views, analytical handicapping | Vibrant, climate-controlled, neon-lit gaming environment |
| Wagering Format | Parimutuel pool betting (Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Trifecta) | House-banked electronic terminal play |
Step-by-Step Guide to Placing a Wager on Live Harness Racing
For newcomers looking to engage with the historic racing side of Yonkers Raceway, placing a legal parimutuel wager follows a structured, easy-to-learn process.
- Study the Race Program: Purchase an official race program (available on-site or digitally) to analyze past performances, driver statistics, trainer records, and horse classifications.
- Select Your Bet Type: Decide whether to make a "Straight" bet (Win, Place, Show) or an "Exotic" bet (Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta) for higher potential payouts.
- Approach a Teller or Self-Service Terminal: Step up to a live mutuel clerk or insert cash/vouchers into an automated betting kiosk.
- State Your Wager Clearly: Formulate your bet using standard track terminology. For example: "Yonkers, Race 4, $2 to Win on Horse Number 3."
- Collect Your Winnings: Retain your ticket. If your selection wins, scan your ticket at a self-service terminal or present it to a teller to collect your payout immediately following the race official confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age to enter Yonkers Raceway and Empire City Casino?
The minimum age is 18 for wagering on live horse racing in the grandstand, and 21 for entering the Empire City Casino gaming floor and playing electronic games. Valid government-issued photo identification is strictly enforced at all entrances.
Does Empire City Casino offer traditional live table games with human dealers?
Historically, New York State regulations have restricted Empire City to electronic gaming devices and virtual table games, though ongoing legislative discussions and MGM resort proposals aim to introduce fully live table games in future expansion phases.
Where is Yonkers Raceway located, and what are the parking options?
The facility is located at 810 Yonkers Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704, featuring ample self-parking structures and dedicated valet services right outside the primary entrances.
Are there dining options available for families or children?
While children under 18 are not permitted on the gaming floor or in restricted racing areas, family-friendly dining options and public viewing areas are accessible during specific daytime events and seasonal racing cards.
How can I check live race results and upcoming race programs?
Live race results, upcoming scratch sheets, and seasonal racing calendars are published daily on the official Yonkers Raceway website and major racing information portals like the United States Trotting Association (USTA).
Conclusion and Next Steps
Yonkers Raceway and Empire City Casino remain a dynamic anchor of regional entertainment, blending the enduring legacy of standardbred harness racing with modern gaming excitement. Whether you plan to analyze past performances in the historic grandstand, explore the vast electronic gaming floor, or enjoy dining with family and friends, preparation is key. Plan your visit around the active racing calendar, verify age and identification requirements, and experience one of New York's most storied sporting and entertainment landmarks.
