by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Yonkers Raceway

YONKERS, NY – The wonderful world of video gaming arrived today in Westchester County, as venerable Yonkers Raceway was rechristened with its new Empire City prefix.

Just past 10 in the morning, Yonkers Raceway president Tim Rooney and general manager Bob Galterio were joined by Nancy Palumbo, New York State director of division of lottery as well as several local politicians.

After Ms. Palumbo presented the Raceway with the lottery’s certificate of operation, the ceremonial ribbon was cut…then the not-so-ceremonial money was inserted in the first of 1,870 video gaming machines located on the first floor of the refurbished clubhouse.

Bob Miecuna photo

1,870 video gaming machines are located on the first floor of the refurbished clubhouse.

“This is a great day for Yonkers Raceway, a great day for the city of Yonkers and a great day for the school children of the entire state,” Rooney said. Video gaming revenue from the Raceway—the largest VGM operator in New York–is expected to bring in some $400 million annually to the state’s coffers.

The $240 million project is to consist of 5,500 VGM’s, housed in the clubhouse as well as an adjacent under-construction facility. An additional 2,000 machines are in the works at a later date.

Empire City at Yonkers Raceway is open seven days a week, with state-regulated hours of 10 AM-2AM. Live racing and simulcasting are expected to return to the Raceway in the not-too-distant future.