After more than 20 years in the making, Resorts World Catskills opened its doors to the public on February 8. “It is exciting to see our long-held vision to build a casino in Sullivan County come to fruition,” said Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul added that the resort has already “created in excess of 1,300 new jobs and is expected to bring 4 million visitors to the Catskills each year, providing millions in revenue to the area. ”
The casino, which will eventually house multiple hotels and entertainment options, has 150 live table games and more than 2,000 slot machines on its 100,000 sq ft casino floor.
High rollers — referred to as “whales” in casino-talk — will eventually have their own private, butler-appointed gaming salons in the attached all-suite hotel.
Currently there are fine-dining and casual restaurants in the casino’s Asian wing, a grab-and-go food hall in the bus lobby wing, and the Doubletop sports bar and grill (which is equipped for sports betting, if and when the state legalizes it) on the casino floor. Celebrity chef Scott Conant will soon open his Cellaio steakhouse onsite as well.
“We’re committed to having a positive impact on the region, and we’re looking forward to continuing to collaborate with the local community to ensure this happens,” said Ryan Eller, President and CEO of Resorts World Catskills, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “We are open for business and are ready to offer our guests unparalleled gaming, world-class amenities, and thrilling experiences like no other in the region.”
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CEO Ryan Eller greets Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul at the Feb. 8 ribbon cutting.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Crystal Life Spa and its reflexology lounge. The first dry-land spa run by the Crystal Cruise line, it offers body treatments and hair and nail salon care.
- The Epicenter, a multipurpose event space that can seat 2,500. Walls of windows on the mezzanine level of the Epicenter will allow for a “skybox” experience of performances.
- The Kartrite hotel and indoor waterpark, which will open in early 2019.
- A Rees Jones-designed 18-hole golf course (The casino sits on property that was part of the Concord, a legendary Borscht-Belt hotel that was home to the Monster golf course).
