New York Gaming Commission approves gaming licenses

Monday 4th of January 2016

The New York State Gaming Commission has approved licenses for resort gaming destinations in three counties: Sullivan, Schenectady and Seneca.

“New York State will soon realize the economic benefits of resort gaming destinations,” said Commission executive director Robert Williams. “These projects will create thousands of jobs, bring much-needed economic development to long-stressed communities and drive revenue to support schools and local governments – with zero taxpayer dollars.”

The Rivers Casino & Resort at Mohawk Harbor, the Montreign Resort Casino, a $1.25 billion investment by Empire Resorts, and EPR Properties, and Lago Resort & Casino were previously selected by the New York Gaming Facility Location Board, appointed by the Commission, through a competitive bid process.

With a combined capital investment of more than $1.3 billion, the three casinos will create more than 3,600 permanent jobs, with approximately 1,300 in Schenectady County, 1,050 in Sullivan County, and 1,250 in Seneca County. Construction will require nearly six million man hours, creating thousands of additional jobs.

A fourth facility, Tioga Downs Casino Racing and Entertainment in Nichols, is currently undergoing the Commission’s licensing review process.The gaming resorts and all related service industries will be strictly and comprehensively regulated by the Gaming Commission, with the minimum gambling age to be 21, and all three to be designated non-smoking resorts.

Bricks & Mortar