By Arianna Cecchini
Connecticut is home to two major casinos, Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods. Most of the students on CCSU’s campus are not of age to go to either casino, whose age restriction is 21-plus. But not too far from CCSU is a casino in New York that is actually 18-plus: Empire City Casino in Yonkers, New York, about an hour and a half drive from Central.
It is on the outskirts of Manhattan and makes a fun day trip for students or even a weekend that is not too far away and can pay out well. Empire City Casino is absolutely massive with slot machines as far as the eye can see. It also has a horse racing track, that happens a few times a week, and visitors can bet on horses to win and make money that way also. Empire City Casino is a slot only casino.
It has a roulette table and a crabs table but they are both electronic, which is why the casino is 18 plus. They offer slots that are themed after hit movies and television shows, for example CSI, Sex and the City, the Hangover, Family Guy, and a few others. Its really a fun time and a great way to spend a rainy day doing something different.
But don’t spend too much money, because most people are more likely to lose their money then win it. Being so close to Manhattan, making a weekend trip out of the casino would not be a bad idea. Look at Hotwire or Priceline that day to see if hotels are cheap looking to fill rooms for that night. Those are ways to get good deals fast.
So for the majority of campus who are eagerly awaiting 21, empire city casino offers a nice alternative for those who aren’t. It’s something fun and new and does not need to cost a fortune to do. And hey, maybe one of us will walk out a millionaire.