The November 24th meeting was very special. It was an event held at Bernie's Holiday Restaurant in Rock Hill intended to bring us up to date with latest information about the Casino project. Rotarian Les Kristt put the event together.

Les Kristt gave an impressive and enthusiastic introduction about his guest and key note speaker for the evening, Executive Vice President of Empire Resorts, Charlie Degliomini. "Charlie is here to help the local businesses, the local economy, and get a successful casino and waterpark established as a permanent part of the Sullivan County landscape...", said Les Kristt.

Mr. Degliomini expressed his thanks for being invited to speak. He began by saying that he wanted to give us an idea of where we were, where we are now, and where we're going in the future with the whole casino project. "It's a complicated project with a lot of moving pieces", he said. And his goal for the evening was to explain things so we could get a better understanding of what is going on.

Although the gambling license has not yet been issued, a lot of money has been invested in the preparation of the casino entrance road and the initial site development. We were shown a fly-over video of the work so far and it was easy to see that much has been done.

Mr. Degliomini emphasized that once the gambling license is issued, which according to the gaming commission will be issued by the end of the year, the casino has 24 months to be built and be up and running or there will be huge financial penalties from the state. Even though Sullivan County has been disappointed in the past when it comes to really getting a casino, "This time it's going to happen", he said.

Sullivan County will have a destination resort complex consisting of a casino, hotel, waterpark, and an improved Monster golf course.

Key Points:

  • The current administration amended the constitution to allow casino gambling in 4 areas of New York State.

  • A competition was held. After a lot of hard work and with the assistance of legislators Senator John Bonacic and Assemblywoman Ailene Gunther, who assisted in the process, casino gambling is finally coming to Sullivan County.

  • Empire Resorts is working closely with local businesses to ensure the casino will positively affect our community.

Mr. Degliomini was very affable and answered many questions which led to a very informative evening. Rotarians from Liberty and Livingston Manor also attended the meeting.