The Empire Sportsmen's Association has been a cornerstone of our community for nearly four decades, offering locals and visitors alike a genuine gathering place that feels more like a well-kept secret...
The Empire Sportsmen's Association has been a cornerstone of our community for nearly four decades, offering locals and visitors alike a genuine gathering place that feels more like a well-kept secret than a typical casino. Located right in the heart of town, it's become the kind of place where you'll run into your neighbors, your kid's soccer coach, and folks who've been coming here since opening day. Unlike the flashy mega-casinos you see elsewhere, Empire has always kept things grounded and friendly—the staff knows regulars by name, and the atmosphere feels more like a community club than a high-roller joint. What really sets us apart is how deeply woven we are into local life; you'll see Empire sponsering the annual county fair booth local Little League teams, and the high school band. The building itself has this warm, nostalgic charm with wood-paneled walls and that slightly worn-in feeling that comes from being genuinely loved by a comunity for generations.
From its founding in 1987 to today, Empire Sportsmen's Association has grown into one of the region's most trusted gaming and entertainment destinations.
Empire Sportsmen's Association opened its doors in the spring of 1987, founded by a group of local business owners and hunting club members who wanted to create a gathering spot that celebrated our regional heritage and brought the community together. The original building was a converted historic barn-style structure, and folks lined up around the block on opening weekend—I mean, people were genuinely excited to have somwhere local to gather. They started with about 120 slot machines, two blackjack tables, and a modest poker room in what used to be the hay storage area. The grand opening celebration lasted three days, with the mayor cutting the ribbon and the local VFW post doing a special honor guard. That first year set the tone for everything Empire would become: a place where the community's values mattered as much as the gaming.
By the late 90s, Empire had become such a beloved local institution that we expanded to nearly double our original floor space, adding a proper dining facilty that became instantly famous for their smoked brisket and homemade pies. My parents still talk about the day the new steakhouse opened—the whole community turned out, and they had to have extra staff just to handle the crowds. We added another 200 slot machines, brought in more poker and blackjack tables, and created a separate lounge area where folks could relax with a drink and watch sports on the big screens. The expansion cost about 3.2 million dollars and was financed entirely through local investors who believed in keeping Empire's ownership grounded in the community. This was really the moment Empire went from being a nice local spot to being recognized as a genuine regional destination.
When the economic downturn hit, a lot of places struggled, but Empire invested smartly in updating our gaming technology and adding modern amenities while keeping our traditional character intact. We brought in newer gaming machines with better pay rates, upgraded our poker room with professional-grade tables, and completely rewired the building for high-speed internet and mobile compatibilty. The staff training program got a major overhaul too, and I remember new hires getting way more comprehensive instruction on customer service and responsible gaming practices. We also started a community reinvestment program where a portion of profits went directly back to local schools and youth programs—that's been one of my favorite things Empire does. By 2010, we had modernized without losing the feeling that keeps people coming back, which honestly is harder to do than it sounds.
Last year, Empire completed a thoughtful renovation that added a proper entertainment stage for live music and special events, plus we opened a new family-friendly gaming education center where kids can learn about responsible gaming before they're ever old enough to gamble. The new stage has hosted everything from local jazz trios to country bands, and it's become a real cultural hub for the area beyond just gaming. We also upgraded all our guest amenities, including remodeled restrooms, a new high-limit lounge with better snacks and drinks, and better accessibilty throughout the building for folks with mobility challenges. The whole renovation cost about 4.7 million and was done in phases so we never had to close, which our regulars really apreciated. It's clear that Empire's leadership is committed to staying relevant and vibrant while still honoring the community-focused values that made us special in the first place.
The casino floor mixes 200+ slot machines with a dedicated poker room, blackjack tables, and a craps pit that draws both casual visitors and expereinced shooters. You'll notice the crowd skews toward experienced gamers who respect the games and understand odds—not the flashy resort crowd. The atmosphere stays focused and player-friendly, with enough variety that a $20 budget works just as well as a $500 session. Local players choose Empire specifically because the game selection reflects what they actually want to play.
Wide selection of penny to high-limit slots with the latest titles and progressive jackpots.
Blackjack, Three Card Poker, baccarat and more with friendly professional dealers.
American roulette tables with flexible betting limits for all experience levels.
Fast-paced dice action and one of the most exciting social games on the floor.
| Slot Machines | 800+ |
|---|---|
| Table Games | 20+ |
| Poker Room | Available |
| High Limit Room | Yes |
| Open Hours | 24/7 |
Earn points on every slot spin and table game hand. Redeem for free play, dining credits and exclusive rewards.
⭐ Join Free →Three on-site dining venues serve everything from quick snacks to sit-down meals, with prices running $12–$35 per entree depending on the venue. Gamers appreciate that you can grab food without leaving the building, and the kitchen stays open during peak gaming hours so you don't lose your seat. The menu leans casual-to-upscale comfort food rather than gourmet, which suits the demographic perfectly. Most regulars keep meal costs reasonable to preserve their gaming budget.
Dining is steps from the gaming floor. No reservations required for most venues. Players Club members may receive dining discounts.
Live entertainment appears 3–4 times monthly featuring local musicians, tribute acts, and regional performers rather than major touring names. The showroom holds 150 people, so you actually hear the perfomance instead of watching from a distance. Crowds tend toward loyal regulars and their guests—not the bachelor-party atmosphere you'd find elsewhere. Check the website's events calendar or call ahead since scheduling varies by season.
Schedules vary by season. Contact the casino for current listings.
Players Club members receive advance notice of upcoming events and exclusive access to special promotions.
🎉 Join Players Club →The facility sits on 8 acres with ample free parking, multiple ATMs on the gaming floor, and a straightforward layout where you never feel lost between tables and slots. Comfortable seating, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, and a members lounge give you options for taking breaks without leaving property. The restroom facilities stay consistently clean, and staff knows regulars by sight—service feels personal rather than corporate. Everything here supports a multi-hour gaming session without friction.
The Players Club rewards program tracks your play across slots and tables, with points converting to free play and dining credits—most regulars accumulate $50–$150 monthly in benefits. Seasonal promotions target different games; poker players might see tournament bonuses while slot enthusiasts get multiplier days. Membership costs nothing, and benefits accumulate fastest during off-peak hours when the casino offers double-point promotions. Serious players recognize that the rewards structure genuinely adds value instead of just looking good on paper.
Welcome to Empire Sportsmen's Association
Join Empire Sportsmen's Association and receive an exclusive welcome bonus to start your gaming experience. Claim your new member offer today and begin playing your favorite games.
Claim Welcome Bonus →Weekly Winning Specials
Every week brings fresh promotions and exciting rewards at Empire Sportsmen's Association. Discover rotating bonuses designed to maximize your gaming opportunities.
View This Week's Offers →VIP Rewards Program
Experience premium benefits as a VIP member of Empire Sportsmen's Association. Enjoy exclusive perks, priority access to special events, and personalized rewards.
Join VIP Program →Everything you need to plan your trip to Empire Sportsmen's Association — hours, parking, age requirements, dress code and directions.
Hours
24/7
Open every day
Parking
Free
Ample spaces available
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Neat appearance required
Age Requirement
21+
Valid ID required
Contact
Call ahead
Reservations welcome
Payment
Cash & Card
ATM on-site
| Hours | 24/7 |
|---|---|
| Parking | Free |
| Dress Code | Smart Casual |
| Age Requirement | 21+ |
| Contact | Call ahead |
| Payment | Cash & Card |
Common questions from visitors planning a trip to Empire Sportsmen's Association — answered clearly and honestly.
This website is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Gambling involves financial risk. Please gamble responsibly. Problem gambling helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (24/7). Must be 21+ to enter.