NEW YORK – Construction on the state’s first three Las Vega-style casinos appears not likely until the end of the year. One of those is the Empire Resorts’ Montreign facility in Kiamesha Lake, the only one selected in the Catskills/Hudson Valley region.
State officials have consistently said the go ahead would be given by the end of September, but at Thursday’s Gaming Commission session, Executive Director Robert Williams indicated work would begin by the end of December.
“Staff has also been working on the license documents themselves, which will be akin to comprehensive contracts,” Williams said. “Once all of those components are in place and fully implemented, the commission will be in a position to formally consider licenses. You remain on track to take licensing action by the end of the calendar year.”
Williams said regulations for casino operation will go into effect on next Wednesday, September 30 with other updates and reports drafted before the licenses are granted.
On Tuesday, Thompson Town Supervisor William Rieber said the town will be granting final approvals within days and pouring of the foundations could start for the first building.
