Operator News

US – Resorts World Catskills to open VLT hall in Orange County shopping mall

By Phil - 8 February 2021

New York’s Resorts World Catskills, owned by Genting and Empire Resorts in Sullivan County, is looking to develop a new casino featuring Video Lottery Terminals in Newburgh Mall in Orange County.

Permission has been granted for the operator to develop an Orange County extension of its Resorts World Catskills licence since 2019. The shopping mall is located on Route 300, next to the interchange where the Thruway and I-84 meet. The VLT hall would employ up to 225 people and take up one year to complete once Resorts World has been granted planning approval by the Newburgh and the state Gaming Commission.

Genting stated: “Developing a video gaming machine facility in Orange County has, for many years, been part of Resorts World’s long-term vision for Hudson Valley and the Catskills. It will create hundreds of good-paying unions jobs, generate significant revenue for New York’s public schools, and is an important step in ensuring the long-term sustainability of Resorts World Catskills.”

It is not yet known how many VLTs will be allowed. Monticello Raceway was home to VLTs to 1,100 VLTs when it closed in 2019 to make way for Resorts World Catskills.
Resorts World’s blueprint for the shopping mall VLT hall will be presented to the Newburgh Town Board on February 22. It will rent a 68,877-square-foot space that used to be a Bon-Ton department store.

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus said: “I want it to be successful at that site, and I think that area could use a boost,” he said.

State Senator James Skoufis added: “I negotiated the agreement to bring a VLT to Orange County because our community stands to significantly benefit from the economic activity, employment, and local revenue that’s associated with the project. Additionally, it was of utmost importance to me that the proposal revitalises a community blight.”