[toc]On Feb. 1, after one year of construction and more than $400 million, Waterloo welcomed the new, elegant del Lago Resort & Casino.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo was on hand at the property’s grand opening last week, hailing the project as a job creator and gateway to the region.
Said Cuomo in a del Lago press release:
“The opening of del Lago means new jobs, increased economic activity and one more step forward in our efforts to strengthen and transform the Finger Lakes region.
For decades, New Yorkers looked beyond our borders to spend their entertainment dollars, but with this resort destination casino, we will attract New Yorkers and visitors alike to explore all this region has to offer.”
The casino resort features a 92,000-square-foot gaming floor, 89 table games, and 12 poker tables. Scientific Games oversees the casino’s electronic gaming.
NY casino part of table games legislation
In 2013, Cuomo signed the Upstate New York Gaming and Economic Development Act.
This act allowed up to four casinos to be built in the upstate area and set guidelines for how revenue would be shared with local municipalities and the state.
The act was expected to create 10,000 jobs across the region and bring hundreds of millions of dollars in school aid, property tax, and distributions to upstate counties.
The press release from del Lago estimated the new casino generated more than one million construction hours and will create 1,500 permanent jobs.
Tax revenue will benefit local, state economies
Tax revenue from the casino’s operations will be distributed at a 80-10-10 ratio:
- 80 percent to state education and tax relief efforts.
- 10 percent to Broome, Chemung, Tompkins, Schuyler, and Wayne counties.
- 10 percent to Seneca County and Tyre, the town where the casino is located.
Jeff Babinski, general manager and executive vice president of the property, said the casino resort is a big boost for the Finger Lakes region and will enhance tourism in the area.
Customer reviews are positive
The del Lago’s TripAdvisor page had 17 reviews at the time of publishing. The average rating was four stars.
There was plenty of praise for the casino itself; many seemed happy about having a new venue in their region.
There were a few minor complaints about the casino’s buffet and several inoperable slot and cash-out machines, but nothing out of the ordinary. Every new casino has to work out the kinks of opening day.
The del Lago’s hotel is still under construction, and there is no official word when it will open.
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