Rivers Casino and Resort continues to dominate the commercial gaming landscape in New York.
According to data from the New York Gaming Commission (NYGC), Rivers Casino located in Schenectady, generated almost double the slot machine revenue than the brand new Resorts World Catskills.
“We are very thankful for the support this year from our loyal guest. We continue to focus on providing a great guest experience every day,” Justin Moore, assistant general manager at Rivers, told the Times Union.
Breaking down the numbers
Rivers is one of four commercial casinos in New York. The other three are:
From February to October, Rivers brought in $117.5 million in gross gaming revenue (GGR) and that was with 1,000 fewer slot machines.
Resorts World brought in $113.6 million over the same period of time, while del Lago brought in $115 million in GGR.
Voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2013 legalizing several commercial casinos in the Empire State.
Speculation brewing
Many had thought the opening of Resorts World would cannibalize gaming revenue across the state.
But according to data compiled by the Times Union, Rivers’ win per slot far surpasses all others.
- Rivers – $236
- Tioga Downs – $188
- del Lago – $166
- Resorts World – $102
According to Ryan Eller, CEO of Empire Resorts, which operates Resorts World, it is meant to be a destination resort. Extra attractions including an indoor waterpark and golf course are expected to be completed by the end of 2019.
Previous estimates showed Resorts Would to bring in $277 million in its first year. However, the casino brought in only $127 million at the end of October.
“Certainly, we would have liked it to be faster in these first eight months,” Eller told the Times Union. “There is a lot of runway left.”
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Future revenue from sports betting?
One thing that might boost revenue is the introduction of sports betting. Currently, sports betting is legal at all four commercial facilities. However, regulations must still be introduced by the NYGC, which it has yet to do.
When sports betting arrives, all four will be ready. Resorts World has already struck a deal on Nov. 20 with bet365 to run a retail and online sportsbook.
- del Lago + DraftKings Sportsbook
- Tioga Downs + FanDuel Sportsbook
- Rivers Casino + Rush Street Interactive
- Resorts World + bet365
Legislation must still be passed to permit for online and mobile wagering. Lawmakers have said they plan on introducing a bill in 2019.
“The last piece of the puzzle is to get sports betting,” Jeff Gural, owner of Tioga Downs, said. “Hopefully in the near future, we’ll have it.”
