Empire Resorts has submitted a $1m application fee to the New York State Gaming Commission for a destination gaming resort licence in the Catskills region.
Empire’s subsidiary, Monticello Raceway Management, currently owns and operates the Monticello Casino and Raceway in Monticello, New York.
“We have been working diligently on this project for over three years,” said Empire chairman Emanuel Pearlman. “We are continuing our partnership with local upstate stakeholders and we look forward to providing the New York State Facility Location Board with a comprehensive application package that exceeds the requirements of the Request for Applications.”
The payment of the $1m application fee is an important first step of the overall vetting process that will determine the award of a gaming facility licence in the Hudson Valley/Catskills region.
Empire Resorts previously announced it has planned a four-star hotel that will have approximately 391 rooms. The proposed gaming facility is expected to include a 70,000sq.ft gaming floor with a variety of table games and slot machines, restaurants and beverage outlets, a conference centre, meeting rooms, spa and salon, and entertainment venues.
Empire said it has in place “essentially all” of the approvals and permits to commence construction immediately upon the awarding of a licence.
