New York Casino Looks to Expand Its Outdoor Gambling
When most people think of the real money gambling floor at a land-based casino, they probably think of an indoor venue that is filled with slot machines and other video gaming machine in one central area or around the perimeter of the casino floor. If the casino also offers table games such as craps, roulette and blackjack, the tables would be located in a separate section of that floor or in the center of the room.
Today’s sophisticated real money casino patron is looking for more from the gambling venues they visit in the form of added amenities that enhance the entire experience. Outdoor dining and drinking have become common place in many restaurants and entertainment venues, so expanding that concept to outdoor gambling is just a natural progression for casinos with the ability to do so.
When Will New York Casinos Look to Expand Its Outdoor Gambling?
In a recent post on Bizjournals.com by Michael DeMasi as a reporter for the Albany Business Review, a land-based casino in Schenectady is seeking permission to expand its offering of slot machines on an outdoor patio. Rivers Casino and Resort is looking to attract more business in the outdoor portion of its venue by increasing the number of slot machines that are already located on its patio.
The casino is expected to petition the New York State Gaming Commission to add 24 more machines outside from its existing inventory of 1,150 total machines. This would simply be a relocation of assets from its indoor casino floor to its outdoor gambling venue. If approved, this would double the amount of slot machines patrons could gamble on outdoors to 48.
Justin Moore is the vice president and general manager of Rivers Casino and Resort in Schenectady and he was quoted in the Bizjournals’ report as saying that the addition of the new slots outdoors are “part of Rivers Casino’s ongoing commitment to enhance guest experience.”
The casino originally opened in February of 2017. Along with the 1,150 slot machines, it also offers 67 table for games such as craps, roulette, and blackjack. There is also a separate room for poker with 16 tables. The casino also offers gambling options for video poker and keno.
New York Casino offers gambling options for video poker and keno
Business continues to expand since first opening it doors to the betting public. According to a local news service (the Daily Gazette) gross gaming revenue has increased at a rate of 15 percent over a span of six months as compared to the gross revenue taken in during that same time frame last year.
A spokesperson for the New York State Gaming Commission stated that the application for the relocation of the 24 slot machines from inside the casino floor to the outside patio has yet to be received. The report did not mention an exact time frame for doing so but it did mention that Mr. Moore will be pursing the matter through the necessary application process.
As relayed on the Rivers Casino and Resort website, www.riverscasinoandresort.com , the casino’s rewards program for customer loyalty is known as the Rush Rewards Players Club. Benefits include monthly bonus offers, free play on slot machines, dining discounts and priority valet parking.
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