The new Resorts World Hudson Valley Casino in the town of Newburgh is providing job opportunities for people in the area. During a recent visit, lights were flashing, music was playing and the sound of slot machines filled the air at the Newburgh Mall. After a long process, Resorts World officially opened its newest casino.

“We are so excited about this property and delivering the product to the community that we committed to back when we first started talking about this,” said Meghan Taylor, vice president of Resorts World New York.

Taylor said over $50 million has been invested in the new casino, which features more than 1,200 slot machines and electronic table games, two full bars and sports betting.

“Here at Resorts World Hudson Valley, it is truly a local destination and really a convenience play almost,” Taylor said. “So, our location, being right at the intersection of 84 and 87 makes the facility extremely accessible.”

It has also opened up 250 jobs, many of which are being filled by Orange County residents.

Town of Newburgh Supervisor Gilbert Piaquadio said he believes this is good for the local economy.

“People that work local, tend to buy local, granted we all buy on the internet anymore, too, but overall, you’re still gonna spend your money in the local restaurants,” Piaquadio said.

One of the new employees is Renee Goldman from down the road in Washingtonville. She had been working three different jobs an hour away, but heard about the new opportunity and applied.

“I’m a single mom, so being close to home is better for me," Goldman said. "It’s gonna create more opportunities to be able to see my child more often. Also, to have extra money to be working, especially at a casino, it’s gonna help.”

Growing up in the area, Goldman has seen the transformation of the Newburgh Mall throughout the years.

“In recent years, it’s kind of folded and now, with the casino here, it’s opened up new opportunities for new businesses to come in, and for jobs as well,” Goldman said.

According to Piaquadio, the town will receive $3 million annually from the casino as a part of a host agreement. He said tourism will also be beneficial to the area.

“Whenever hotels start getting more guests, again, it increases the economy all the way for the town and the community,” Piaquadio said.

Taylor said, “We’re looking forward to creating additional sales tax and taxing revenue for the town, for the county and for the state going forward.”