MONTICELLO, NY — Resorts World Catskills became the latest casino in the state to offer sports betting with the opening of Sportsbook 360 on September 5. The state legislature this year passed legislation allowing four casinos—Rivers, Tioga, del Lago and Resorts World Catskills—to allow betting on sports. The 10 casinos operated by Native American tribes are also now able to provide sports betting to their clients.

The rules do not allow betting by computer or smart phone, and gamblers must be physically at a facility to make a bet. Gamblers are not permitted to wager on college sports in New York or any college events held in the state.

A mobile sports-betting bill that would have allowed betting by smart phone passed in the Senate this year, but was defeated in the Assembly. A new bill will be introduced next year.

The Sportsbook 360 facility at Resorts World Catskills is located on the casino floor and occupies a 6,000 square-foot area that features more than 35 televisions at 75 inches each. The screens are organized in a 360-degree arc positioned around a central bar.

“We are thrilled to offer patrons access to Sportsbook 360 for a unique, integrated gaming and lounge experience within our casino resort,” said Ryan Eller, president and CEO of Resorts World Catskills.

Changing ownership

Two Malaysian entities, Kien Huat Realty III Limited and Genting Malaysia Berhad, are moving forward with their purchase of Empire Resorts, Inc. the company that owns Resorts World Catskills. Those companies will acquire all of the Resorts World Stock not already owned by Kien Huat or its affiliates. Kien Huat already owns 86% of Empire’s common stock

“With the resources and support of Kien Huat and Genting Malaysia, Empire Resorts will be better positioned financially and operationally,” said Resorts World president Eller, when the purchase was announced. “This transaction is a win-win for all our stakeholders, including our stockholders, customers, employees, creditors and the communities in which we operate. Importantly, we expect our employees will benefit from new opportunities for career development as part of a larger organization.”