With the changing times, casinos are not built simply as sources of gaming revenue, but are being built around the globe as tourism destinations. With tourism comes much higher overall revenue than only gaming can provide, and with that comes more jobs and a better quality of living. At least that is what people in New York are hoping for, as three big casino-resorts are set to move in.
The $425 million Lago Resort & Casino in Tyre, Seneca County, hopes to be a contributing factor to the booming Finger Lakes tourism market, which features several restaurants and wineries. Both the Lago and Montreign in Sullivan County will market local products and places, and will also allow for gamblers to use casino points for deals at local businesses.
Ken McConnell, an owner of the Barristers Bed and Breakfast in adjacent Seneca Falls said, “Tourism is the name of the game here in Finger Lakes. The real benefit of this casino is going to be the increase in tourism.” However, as the Northeast in general is a very saturated gambling market, many are questioning whether or not a casino would be enough to help the local economy.
The competition is set to hurt the local casinos, and while the large casinos themselves will supply jobs, many fear it will come at the cost of eliminating jobs from the little guy. Steve Martin, spokesman for Finger Lakes Gaming, a racino in Farmington, Ontario County, said, “We’ve been very upfront about our concern over it.” He added, “The selection did not make a lot of sense for a number of reasons.”
Lago and Montreign are focused on being destination resorts, not gambling facilities, and plan to lure in travelers with their vast plans. Lago will feature 2,000 slot machines, 200 hotel rooms, a spa, and restaurants showcasing local foods. Montreign plans to build an 18-story casino with 2,150 slots, 390 hotel rooms, a waterpark and entertainment village. Their plans as destination resorts are what set them above other proposed bids, which failed as they focused more on gambling.
