Operator News
US – del Lago Resort opens in Seneca County
By Phil - 2 February 2017
The US$440m del Lago Resort & Casino has now opened in Tyre, Seneca County, New York state, with 2,000 slots and 89 tables.
Governor Andrew Cuomo helped cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the resort which includes a 94,000 square-foot gaming floor, a 2,400-seat performance space, and multiple dining and retail options. Built on 85 acres of undeveloped land, the project generated more than one million construction hours and created 1,500 permanent jobs in the region.
“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,” Governor Cuomo said. “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.”
Governor Cuomo’s Upstate New York Gaming and Economic Development Act of 2013 mandated that all state revenue from del Lago be returned to localities. Ten percent of the state’s tax revenue from the casino is split between the Town of Tyre and Seneca County for hosting the facility, and Broome, Chemung, Tompkins, Schuyler and Wayne counties share another 10 percent. The remaining 80 percent of revenue is distributed statewide to support public education and provide tax relief to New Yorkers.
Del Lago Resort & Casino is a partnership between Rochester-based Wilmorite Inc., and Peninsula Pacific. Peninsula Pacific comprises of the former leadership team from Peninsula Gaming, which has a combined 50 years in developing and managing regional casinos in five states. JNB Gaming will manage the casino. JNB and its principals are widely recognised throughout the country as premier casino developers and operators.
Del Lago General Manager and Executive Vice President Jeff Babinski said:“This day has been a long time coming and we are thrilled to open our doors to the public for the first time. We built del Lago Resort & Casino for you — for our customers, for the community and for our entire Finger Lakes region. From the start, the mission behind del Lago Resort & Casino has been to act as a gateway to the region with the goal of leveraging the natural beauty and unique offerings to enhance tourism. We are so excited that this day has finally come.”
Thomas Wilmot Sr., Chairman of Developer Wilmorite said: “We are thankful to Governor Cuomo for his leadership in bringing a referendum to the New York State voters which allowed del Lago to be proposed and built the facility we are opening today. We are incredibly proud of what we have built and the business operation that we are running. We will do everything that we can to exceed expectations and to help this region thrive.”
Brent Stevens, del Lago Resort & Casino Co-Chair, said: “Our investors have committed to this beautiful property on the promise that del Lago Resort & Casino will be a world-class destination focused on community pride, the highest level of customer service and the notion that we will under promise and over deliver. This resort and casino is another example of how leading gaming expertise at Peninsula Pacific coupled with the incredible track record of Wilmorite and the top-notch management expertise at JNB Gaming can take a dream and turn it into a reality.”
In addition to creating 1,800 jobs during construction, del Lago has created 1,500 permanent jobs with the casino opening and will create another 200-300 when the hotel and spa open this summer. Del Lago Resort & Casino will also be a boon to local wineries, breweries, restaurants, hotels, stores, tourism destinations and other businesses. In addition, local governments — Town of Tyre, school district, Seneca County and other neighbouring counties in the gaming region established by the state — will see a significant, positive, direct impact from del Lago Resort & Casino through their share of the casino’s gaming tax payments to the state.
Town of Tyre Supervisor Ronald McGreevy said: “The opening of del Lago Resort and Casino is truly a historic event, not only for the Town of Tyre and Seneca County, it is a historic event for the entire Finger Lakes Region. del Lago is providing the economic boost our area has so desperately needed. More jobs and lower taxes were promised, and those promises have been kept. del Lago’s steadfast commitment to our community has exceeded all expectations. We are indeed grateful to have been selected for this unique opportunity. This is truly a “once in a lifetime opportunity” for our area. We look forward to a very bright future.”
Senator Pam Helming said: “This is an exciting day for Seneca County and the entire Finger Lakes community, as del Lago Casino and Resort will be an important economic driver for our region with over 1,000 permanent jobs and additional tax revenue for our schools and localities. As a major employer for our area, del Lago will also help to attract more business opportunities for the local workforce and will help grow our tourism economy.”
Assemblyman Brian Kolb said: “The opening of the del Lago Resort & Casino represents the beginning of an exciting recreational and economic opportunity for the Finger Lakes Region. I want to congratulate all those who helped bring this project to life and wish del Lago’s staff and patrons great success.”
Based on del Lago’s estimates, the resort and casino is projected to bring in 3.2m visitors per year.
In total, the four commercial casinos – del Lago, Tioga Downs, Montreign and Rivers — when fully operational will generate $325m in gaming taxes, of which $65m will be directed to localities and $260m will support public education.
