On Thursday, October 27, 2022, the New York State Gaming Commission announced that it has decided to award a casino license to the Kentucky-based company Churchill Downs. According to the regulator, the vote was unanimous and now the company that runs the prominent Kentucky Derby will get rights for a central New York casino license.
Earlier this year, the Kentucky company announced a deal through which it purchased the prominent del Lago Resort & Casino in Central New York. Located between Rochester and Syracuse along the Thruway, the casino is one of the three original upstate casinos that opened in 2017 and was greenlit via a constitutional referendum.
Sharing the Excitement
Shortly after the announcement from the New York State Gaming Commission, Maureen Adams, Churchill Downs’ senior vice president for gaming operations said a few words on the license. She shared that the company is quite enthusiastic about the agreement, and now the team behind it is looking forward to participating in the Empire State’s riveting gambling landscape.
Back in February, Churchill Downs announced that it has agreed to a deal to acquire several casino properties across the country. Including del Lago Resort & Casino in NY. Through a deal reported to be worth over US$2.5 billion, the company successfully purchased the casino located in the Finger Lakes from its previous owner, Peninsula Pacific LLC.
The casino property stretches over 96,000 square-foot of land and boasts a selection of 1,700 slot machines, 80 table games, a 205-room hotel, nine restaurants, and bars. As well as a 6,000-square-foot sportsbook by DraftKings, a 2,400-seat indoor entertainment venue and a 7,200-square-foot outdoor one. The four commercial casinos compete with seven other full-service ones by the Oneida, Akwesasne Mohawk nations, and more.
Back when the deal was first announced, Lance Young, who is general manager of the Waterloo upstate property commented that the change of ownership will not affect employees and their roles or its valued business partners and guests. He also shared his excitement over the property becoming part of an iconic company that continues to elevate the industry.
“Best Casino Destination “
A few months ago, del Lago Resort & Casino was acknowledged for its premier gaming offerings at the 2021 World Casino Awards. To everyone’s surprise, the Best Casino Destination has not gone to Las Vegas, and it was actually awarded to the upstate casino property. In addition to that, the establishment also won Best Casino and Best Casino Hotel in the Empire State.
In addition to the three honours in the 2021 World Casino Awards, the Central New York resort has also won several awards 2022 Best of Dining and Nightlife Awards. This is organized by Casino Play Magazine, and it is voted by fans. At this year’s edition of the awards, the casino won Best Overall Services, Best Seafood, Best Pizza, and Best Place to People Watch.
Source: Karlin, Rick “Churchill Downs gets New York casino license for del Lago in Central NY” TimesUnion, October 27, 2022
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Author: Yolina
Yolina has followed closely the latest development on the Canadian gaming scene over the past years, monitoring the land-based, lottery, and online offerings up for grabs. The dynamic nature of the local lottery and casino fields, as well as the opportunities lying ahead of Canada fire her enthusiasm for what is to come. A sports betting enthusiast, in her spare time Yolina could be found in her natural habitat – turning the pages of biographies and catching up on the latest stand-up comedy podcasts.