30-second summary:
- Resorts World Catskills and Tioga Downs will cut the number of slot machines on offer
- New York Gaming Commission approved the game change request
- Resorts World Catskills will remove 550 slots; Tioga Downs 50 machines
- The two New York casinos will add new non-gaming amenities
Two casinos located in upstate New York will offer fewer slot machines after reaching an agreement with the state. The New York Gaming Commission approved the Resorts World Catskills and Tioga Downs to remove a certain number of machines.
Resorts World Catskills will have 550 fewer machines. Tioga Downs will remove 50 slot machines from the gaming floor.
Revenue issues
The New York casinos are removing their slot machines so that they can focus on other amenities. The casinos have found it difficult to meet projected revenues during the first year of operations.
By gaining authorization to remove the games, the venues can now maximize their offering to their patrons without having a negative effect on the overall experience. The changes will not affect employment or the revenues for the state.
Resorts World first opened in February of last year. To be allowed to operate, it was required to have a total of 2,150 machines on the gaming floor. The new agreement will see the venue have 1,600 slots, or 26% less than what it originally started with.
The Resorts World Casino will no longer offer the largest amount of slot games. The del Lago in Finger Lake will take over as the leader with 1,950 slot machines.
The Tioga Downs is much smaller, offering only 942 slots upon opening. The venue will cut down to 892 machines, a 5.3% drop from the original offering.
Gaming Commission spokesman Brad Malone said: “It is common industry practice to adjust the number of slot and table assets and configurations after opening, based on market conditions.”
Resorts World Casino owner, Empire Resorts, will also be shutting down video slot terminals at the Monticello Casino and Raceway in April. It announced the shutdown back in January. The raceway will operate as a harness racing track only. This was done to help remove further competition from Resorts World.
New amenities
The change in slot machine totals at both properties is being made to allow for new amenities. At Resorts World, the change will mean the gaming floor setup will provide a better experience as more room will be available.
Tioga Downs not only cut down the number of slot machines, but was also allowed to change the number of table games it offers. The casino is dropping only two games, going from 36 tables to 34.
The casino plans on using the space to focus on sports betting once it is legalized in the state. Owner Jeff Gural wants to provide ample space for sports betting operations.