Rivers Casino & Resort

Rivers Casino & Resort. It is a major gaming and hospitality destination located in Schenectady, New York, developed and operated by Rush Street Gaming. Opened in 2017, the property was the first full-scale commercial casino in the Capital District region, created following the passage of the New York State Constitution's 2013 amendment authorizing non-tribal gaming facilities. The complex features a large casino floor, a hotel tower, multiple dining venues, and a dedicated event center, contributing significantly to the local economy and tourism sector.

History

The development was catalyzed by the New York State Gaming Commission's selection process for commercial gaming licenses in 2014. Rush Street Gaming, founded by Neil Bluhm, was awarded a license for the Schenectady site, beating competing proposals from entities like Hard Rock International. Construction began on the former Alco industrial site along the Mohawk River, a location with deep ties to the region's Industrial Revolution heritage. The casino opened to the public on February 8, 2017, with a ceremony attended by then-Governor Andrew Cuomo and local officials like Mayor of Schenectady Gary McCarthy. Its opening marked a pivotal shift in the Upstate New York gaming market, previously dominated by racino facilities such as Saratoga Casino Hotel and tribal operations like Turning Stone Resort Casino.

Facilities and amenities

The integrated resort encompasses a 165-room hotel tower with views of the Mohawk River and the Adirondack Mountains. Dining options include the upscale steakhouse Flipt by renowned chef David Burke, the Italian restaurant Dukes Chophouse, and casual eateries like Mian and Guy Fieri's Taco Joint. The property also features the 50,000-square-foot Rivers Casino & Resort Event Center, a flexible space hosting concerts, conventions, and sporting events. Other amenities include a full-service spa, an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and several bars and lounges, including the Century Lounge sports bar. The architectural design incorporates elements reflecting Schenectady's history as the former home of the American Locomotive Company.

Gaming operations

The casino floor offers over 1,150 slot machines, including popular titles from manufacturers like IGT, Aristocrat, and Scientific Games. Table game offerings include numerous variants of blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat, alongside a dedicated poker room hosting daily tournaments and cash games under the World Series of Poker Circuit banner. The gaming area also features a high-limit salon for premium players and a state-of-the-art sportsbook operated in partnership with Rush Street Interactive, allowing wagering on major leagues like the NFL, MLB, and the NBA. All gaming operations are regulated and audited by the New York State Gaming Commission.

Entertainment and events

The Rivers Casino & Resort Event Center has become a prominent venue in the Capital District, hosting a wide array of performances and events. It has featured concerts by major artists such as ZZ Top, Brad Paisley, and Jeff Foxworthy, as well as touring Broadway shows like The Price Is Right Live!. The space also accommodates large-scale private events, trade shows, and regional competitions, including those organized by the Eastern Poker Tour. The casino's Century Lounge regularly presents local and regional musical acts, while the property collaborates with organizations like the Schenectady County Historical Society for community-focused exhibitions.

Ownership and management

The property is wholly owned and operated by Rush Street Gaming, a private casino development company based in Chicago and founded by real estate magnate Neil Bluhm. The company's portfolio also includes Rivers Casino Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania and Rivers Casino Des Plaines in Illinois. Day-to-day management is overseen by a General Manager, with oversight from Rush Street Gaming's executive leadership, including Tim Drehkoff. The casino operates under a 10-year renewable license granted by the New York State Gaming Commission and maintains partnerships with various community organizations, including Union College and Proctors Theatre, as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives. Category:Casinos in New York (state) Category:Schenectady, New York Category:Buildings and structures in Schenectady County, New York Category:2017 establishments in New York (state)