MONTICELLO — As of this past Wednesday, the rules the New York State Gaming Commission will use to guide the issuance of casino licenses in the state are official, and once licenses are issued, Empire Resorts and the other casino operators can officially start counting down the two-year window they have to build their casinos and open for business.

While the issuance of casino licenses technically could have begun as early as October 1 - and there are reports that licenses could be out by the end of the year - both state gaming officials and developers see no reason to rush the process.

“Everyone needs to take a deep breath and understand that we are on schedule, and there's nothing wrong with waiting just a bit longer,” said Charles Degliomini, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs and Corporate Communications for Empire Resorts, which will operate the Montreign Casino in Monticello.

That sentiment was reiterated by Lee Park, spokesman for the NYS Gaming Commission.

“We're on track to issue gaming licenses before the end of the year,” explained Park. “It has been less than a year since the projects were selected, and we are in the process of wrapping up the licensing. When compared to other states like Pennsylvania, Maryland and Massachusetts, their process took much longer.”

Degliomini also brought up the longer time for issuance of casino licenses in Massachusetts saying, “I realize everyone is anxious, but truly the commission is doing a great job. Massachusetts took over three years, and it hasn't even been a year in New York State. They should be commended for the job that they are doing. They are doing it right.”

According to Park, it is in everyone's best interest to get the licenses issued as quickly as possible, but it has to be done in the proper manner.

“Gaming is a heavily regulated industry, for good reason,” he explained. “I can assure you that it is all being done as quickly as possible, following the proper legal statutes for doing so.”

Degliomini isn't concerned.

“Clearly, we want to get the license and move forward, but while we are waiting, we are still moving along in the process and committed to this project,” he assured. “There is a lot of site work happening now, and all of the things we need to do to stay on schedule are being done. I know not having the license seems like a setback, but we aren't worried and neither should you.”