What is the age requirement to play video gaming machines or wager on races?
- Guests must be at least 18 years old to play video gaming machines or wager on races.
- Please be sure to bring state-issued photo ID in the event you are asked to provide proof of your age. (You may need it to claim your winnings as well!)
What are the hours of operation?
Our gaming floor is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m.
How many video gaming machines are at Empire City?
Empire City has nearly 5,500 video gaming machines!
What video gaming machine denominations are available?
We have individual and multi-denominational games available from 1˘ to $100.
What games are available at Empire City?
We have a full variety of game themes, including video poker.
Does Empire City have a Player's Club?
Yes. Get your Empire Card at one of our Promotions Booths - earn Empire Points as you play and dine! Visit any Empire Card Promotions Booth for more details.
How do I become a member?
Present your valid photo ID to a Promotions Booth representative. The Empire Club Promotions Booths are located on the 1st floor and 2nd floor.
How do I earn Empire Points?
Earning Empire Points is easy!
- Simply insert your Empire Card into the game and leave it there while you play - you'll automatically earn Empire Points as you play!
- Present your Empire Card to your server or the cashier when making food or beverage purchase (alcohol purchases not included).
How can I use my Empire Points?
- Empire Points may be redeemed for food, non-alcoholic beverages, select merchandise and services. Simply present your card to a Promotions Booth representative or cashier
- You may also use your Empire Points for products in our Merchandise Program.
How may I be added to Empire City's mailing list?
It's as easy as signing up for an Empire Card!
What if my address has changed or I would like to be removed from the mailing list?
Visit any Promotions Booth and one of our representatives will be happy to assist you with your request.
How do I redeem my vouchers?
Redemption windows are located on the first floor and second floor.
Are ATMs available?
Yes, ATMs are located throughout the Empire City property - at the entrances, Promotion Booths and near the escalators.
What type of currency is accepted?
Our video gaming machines accept US dollars and vouchers.
Where can I cash a check?
Guests may cash checks at any Redemption Window on the first floor and at the Game Cash window on the second floor. Guest may also get credit card cash advances only at the Game Cash window located on the second floor.
When is there live harness racing?
Empire City at Yonkers Raceway is proud to continue to tradition of live harness racing. Beginning in January and February of 2008, post times will be at 7:40PM every Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. We plan to expand to racing five days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday) beginning in March 2008. In June, we plan a full schedule of racing, six days a week Mondays through Saturdays. To verify racing schedules and all racing information, simply check the Racing section on our website.
What about simulcast?
We offer harness and thoroughbred simulcasting. Afternoon simulcasting beginning around noon is available Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Evening simulcasting beginning at 6:30PM is available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (Schedule subject to change).
Where can I wager on the horse races?
Wagers can be placed at any of the following locations:
- 4th floor of Clubhouse: parimutuel wagering and simulcasting
- 3rd floor of Clubhouse: parimutuel wagering and simulcasting
($2 admission for individual carrels)
- 2nd floor in the Empire Terrace Restaurant
- Trackside
Can I visit the stables?
Sorry, only the owners and drivers are allowed in the stable area.
What are my dining options at Empire City?
You have your choice of dining at Empire City!
The Lillian Russell Café
- Sunday thru Thursday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Empire Terrace Restaurant
- Friday & Saturday 6p.m. to 11p.m.
American cuisine: breakfast, sandwiches, salads, entrees & desserts
Tavern 1899 Steakhouse
- Dinner only - Friday and Saturday 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
- Located on the 2nd floor behind the Lillian Russell Café
Snack Bar
- Trackside on the 1st Floor (10:00am-1:00am)
International Food Court
- Offers a wide variety of food: Pizza, Pasta, Sausage & Peppers, Deli Sandwiches, Salads, Lo Mein, Hamburgers, Ice Cream and More!
- Located on the first floor in Gotham Palace, next to the shuttle Bus East entrance.
- Food Court: 10:00am-1:00am Dessert Bar: 10:00am-1:00am
4th Floor Concessions
Drinks - Alcoholic beverages are available in of the restaurants and on the gaming floor.
Are children allowed in the restaurants?
Absolutely! Families with children must enter at the entrance to the right of valet and proceed up the escalators to the restaurants.
Does Empire City serve free drinks?
Yes, guests may enjoy complimentary non-alcoholic beverages while playing on the gaming floor.
Is there live entertainment at Empire City?
Does Empire City have events & promotions?
Yes, Empire City features a full range of promotions and special events. Empire Card members have the opportunity to participate in cash sweepstakes, car giveaways, electronics & gift giveaways, members-only special events, exclusive birthday parties & gifts, and much more! Click here for a schedule.
Where are the restrooms?
Restrooms are located on the first, second, third and fourth floors.
What are the admission and parking costs?
It's free! There is no admission charge, and we offer free self-parking with shuttles. Valet parking is available at Central Avenue/ Clark Street entrance for a fee.
Are there table games?
No, we do not have table games.
Is Empire City handicap accessible?
Yes. we have handicap parking spaces, ramps and restrooms.
Do you have wheelchairs available?
Yes, we do. For your comfort and convenience, you may obtain a wheelchair from any one of our Valet Parking attendants. You will be required to complete a short form and supply us with a driver’s license or government-issued photo ID. Just come to the Valet area when you arrive and we will be glad to take care of this for you.
How can I obtain a win/loss statement?
All Win/ Loss requests must be in writing using Empire City's Win/Loss Request Form. Win/Loss Request Forms may be obtained online or by visiting the Promotions Booth.
May I smoke inside Empire City?
No. In compliance with New York State law, smoking will not be permitted inside the gaming facility or any indoor area at Empire City.
Does Empire City have a bus program?
Yes, Empire City welcomes chartered motor coach groups that qualify for an incentive package. Insurance information from the company transporting the group is required. Groups of 12 or more people, with a minimum 4 hour stay, will receive a $10 food coupon per person and groups of 40 or more people will receive a $10 food coupon and $5 free play voucher. The group leader will receive a $20 free play voucher. The group's play will be rated, therefore the package for next trip will be based on play from last trip. Reservations must be made in advance and cannot be made Saturdays, Sundays or Holidays. To make reservations or to inquire about line-runs and pick-up locations, please call (914) 457-2617.
Can I book group events at Empire City?
Yes, for more information on group events/dining packages, please call 914-457-2615 or email groupevents@yonkersraceway.com. (For motor coach packages, please call 914.457.2617)
How do I get to Empire City?
From New York City
- I-87 North to Exit 2 - Yonkers Avenue/Raceway
- Turn right into Central Park Avenue entrance
From Grand Central Station
- Take Metro North to the Mount Vernon West Train Station.
- Then Take Bee-Line Bus #7 or a Taxi to Empire City
Using NYC Subway & Bus
- Take the #4 Train to Woodlawn.
- Then take Bee-line Bus #20 to Empire City
Using NYC Express
- Take the BXM 4C from 26th Street and Madison Avenue, 47th Street and Madison Avenue, or 99th Street and Madison Avenue.
From Long Island
- I -495 West towards New York
- Merge onto Cross Island Parkway North
- Exit 31 N towards Whitestone Bridge
- Merge onto I -295 N
Exit 33 towards Bronx / New England
- Keep right to I-695 Throgs Neck Expressway
- Exit 10 towards I- 95 N
- Exit 9 towards the Hutchinson Pkwy North
- Merge onto Hutchinson Pkwy North
- Exit 13 Merge onto Cross County Pkwy
- Exit 5- 4N- S toward I-87 Central Avenue/ Thruway
- Exit 4S toward I- 87 S Central Avenue/Thruway
- Turn Slight right onto Central Park Avenue
- Empire City on right
From Connecticut
- Merritt Parkway to Hutchinson River Parkway South
- Left fork onto Cross County Parkway West toward George Washington Bridge
- Exit #5-4 N-S on Central Park Avenue
- Left on Yonkers Avenue
- Empire City on right
From New Jersey
- George Washington Bridge to I-87 North
- Exit 2 - Yonkers Avenue/Raceway
- Turn right into Central Park Avenue entrance
From Upstate New York
West of Hudson River
- I-87 South
- Exit #4 to Central Park Avenue
- Left on Yonkers Avenue
- Empire City on right
East of Hudson River
- Taconic Parkway South
- To Cross County Parkway West
- Exit #5-4 N-S on Central Park Avenue
- Left on Yonkers Avenue
- Empire City on right
What hotels are nearby?
- Ramada Inn - 125 Tuckahoe Road, Yonkers - 914.476.3800
- Radisson Hotel - 1 Radisson Plaza, New Rochelle - 914.576.3700
- Renaissance Westchester - 80 West Red Oak Lane, White Plains - 914.694.5400
- Marriott Residence Inn - 5 Barker Avenue, White Plains - 914.761.7700
- Marriott Courtyard - 475 White Plains Road, Tarrytown - 914.631.1122
- Hampton Inn - 200 Tarrytown Road, Elmsford - .914.592.5680
What other attractions are around?
- New York City
- Times Square
- Rockefeller Center
- Empire State Building
- Statue of Liberty
- Broadway theatre
- Central Park
- Yankee Stadium
- Bronx Zoo
- Westchester County
- Mall at Cross County - Yonkers, NY
- Cross County Multiplex - Yonkers, NY
- Hudson River Museum - Yonkers, NY
- New Roc City - New Rochelle, NY
- The Westchester - White Plains, NY
- Playland - Rye, NY
- Other Info - www.westchestertourism.com
Are there any jobs available at Empire City?
Yes!!!! To join the organization voted as the 2007 Yonkers Employer of the Year:
Is there help for people with gambling problems?
- New York Council on Problem Gambling:
- Gamblers Anonymous
