“Do I believe in it? I believe in it. I think Sullivan County is destined for an absolute true turnaround,” says Monticello restaurateur Bill Sipos, when asked about the potential 
impact of Empire Resorts‘ Montreign (left) on his area. The project is described as an “18-story casino, 2,150 slots, 390 hotel rooms, an entertainment village and a waterpark.” One of the points of concern about casinos coming to New York State is how much money will be spent outside the casino. For instance, Lago Resort & Casino promises to promote local casinos and wineries. Casino skeptics, however, point out that Lago is just off a major highway and is unlikely to produce trickle-down effects. “There’s all these promises of spinoff, but it just doesn’t happen like it’s promised,” grumbles Casino Free Tyre spokesman Jeff Dawley.
Montreign certainly has the looks of a one-stop shop. By contrast, Neil Bluhm‘s Rivers Casino in Schenectady is promising only limited amenities, so as not to subtract from area businesses. That’s music to the ears of Mayor Gary McCarthy: “Other casino proposals were more standalone. They get people in there, and that’s where they stay. You had the entertainment, the restaurants and the gambling. This will be different.”
Regardless of their eventual economic impact, the casinos are bringing hope. Lago owner Thomas Wilmot hasn’t advertised for any job openings but he’s already received 2,000 applications.
* As casino gambling continues to evolve toward games of skill, not chance, some casinos are getting ahead of the curve. Borgata has received approval for a for-money free-throw contest. “For a $20 buy-in, contestants compete in 90-second rounds for the right to play in the final round of 16 in a bracket format. The top four finishers will split $10,000, with the winner getting $5,000,” reports The Associated Press. Just make sure you have a Borgata players card and you’re good to go. Even pro athletes can play.
“It’s purely a physical dexterity contest,” remarked Division of Gaming Enforcement Technical Services Director Eric Weiss, explaining why this qualifies as part of the DGE’s “New Jersey First” campaign to make the Garden State the one where innovation flowers earliest. Hopefully it will fare better than poker at Trump Taj Mahal, which has closed its poker room. “Poker is a money-loser for us at this point,” lamented CEO Robert Griffin.
