Resorts World Catskills opened in February, and now it's getting ready for new amenities coming through the year, hoping that growth will get revenue numbers on track.
The new resort casino in Sullivan County just opened its poker room, and is set to open celebrity chef Scott Conant's Italian restaurant, Cellaio, later this April. VIP suites and gaming rooms are near completion, and Resorts World just broke ground on the entertainment complex right next door to the casino main floor.
Officials say all these new attractions will make the difference as initial numbers on jobs and revenue come in from state agencies.
Since opening, the casino has hired around 1,400 employees, earning Sullivan County the top spot in private sector job growth in the region, according to the New York State Department of Labor. The state Gaming Commission released data on the casino's first few weeks after opening, though, showing revenue and tax receipts lower than expectations as compared to other opening months of new casinos.
"It's like being a grocery store and having 12 aisles, but you only have two aisles of food selection open," said Resorts World Catskills Executive Vice President Charles Degliomini. "So it's not really a good barometer of what our revenue will really be."
The state Gaming Commission reports data collected from casinos in weekly and monthly reports. Degliomini says that the data reflects opening early with fewer amenities, and takes into account winter weather, but should even out and grow over time.