MONTICELLO - Resorts World Catskills, one of the largest employers in Sullivan County, will be reopening this Wednesday, September 9, NYS Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther said yesterday.

“We brought the NYS Commissioner of Gaming and members of the Governor's staff down two weeks ago for a meeting to show him all the safety and security protocols that Resorts World had installed,” an elated Gunther said, adding that they will be able to operate at 25 percent capacity and that table games will be closed to begin with.

“They always say ‘It isn't over until the fat lady sings,” Gunther said. “Well, the fat lady sang - Success, Success, Success.”

Gunther said this news would be welcome relief to the Town of Thompson, Sullivan County and many school districts who had been receiving tax payments from Resorts World Catskills.

NYS State Senator Jen Metzger, who has also been in communication with the Governor's office and advocated for casinos to reopen, applauded the decision.

In a statement yesterday she said that she was extremely impressed by the lengths to which Resorts World had gone to in order to create a safe environment for guests and team members during the pandemic. This included installing hospital-grade air filters that constantly bring in fresh air, plexiglass dividers throughout gambling and eating areas, and extensive cleaning and social distancing protocols.

“I am confident that the casino has taken, and will continue to take, every precaution for the health and safety of guests and employees," Metzger said.

According to State Budget Director Robert Mujica, table games could be approved by the New York State Gaming Commission if casinos place physical barriers between players.

Since these have already been installed at Resorts World Catskills, they are confident table games will be approved at the casino ahead of Wednesday's reopening.

Bob DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East noted that, “The Resorts World team has been anxiously awaiting the day when we can open our doors again to the fun and excitement that our casinos are known for. We have implemented a plan to seamlessly integrate the unmatched experiences in excitement, entertainment and luxury that guests have come to expect, with the more stringent health protocols that are needed to operate safely. We are excited to play our part in Moving New York Forward.”

In a conference call yesterday, Governor Andrew Cuomo said, “Our rules and guidance on reopening is only as good as the compliance and the enforcement.”