Del Lago Resort & Casino Makes Room For Sports Betting
Del Lago Resort & Casino will be reducing the number of slot machines in their property by 15%, to make space for sports betting. The Finger Lake’s gambling establishment got approval from the Gaming Commission to reduce its slot machine inventory, available on the gambling floor.
Del Lago, not the first one to obtain permission
Earlier, the committee approved two other upstate casinos, Tioga Downs in Southern Tier, and Resorts World Catskills in Sullivan County, to do the same. Resorts World, the biggest upstate casino, obtained permission to reduce the slot machines by 26%. On the other hand, Tiger Downs reduced slot machines from 942 to 892.
However, Schenectady’s Rivers Casino stated that they would continue to offer the same number of services, despite the move from other gambling establishments.
In February 2017, it took $400 million to construct Del Lago Resort & Casino. Before they obtained permission from the board, they offered 80 and 1,950 table and slot games respectively.
The Gaming Commission conducted a review and found that the casino’s decision to reduce the number of services won’t impact the state’s revenue. Similarly, they concluded that this decision wouldn’t reduce employment.
The casino will decrease table and slot games to 66 and 1,650 respectively.
Sports betting the future for gambling properties
The board made amendments to the casino’s license, allowing the establishment to make the necessary changes. Steve Greenberg, the spokesperson for Del Lago Resort & Casino, the gaming house will be working with DraftKings, their partner. Both companies will be working together to provide sports wagering services to their customers.
DraftKings will have a physical sportsbook operating inside the casino property. At the same time, they will allow online, and mobile sports betting provided the state approves online wagering.
After completing the construction, the establishment will consider increasing the number of gambling services provided to its customers.
Casinos believe that sports betting is a great way to increase revenue. The gambling establishments were unable to reach their projected revenues. Recently, Del Lago’s financial ratings took a hit due to Moody’s Investor Service. The company believed this move was necessary, due to the fiscal outlook of the casino.
The native gambling properties, along with the four upstate establishments will be ready to offer sports betting in the future. The Gaming Commission is taking a look at the regulations and will give the green light to the casinos to provide these services.
