Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady

Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady is a commercial casino and hotel complex located in Schenectady, New York, on the banks of the Mohawk River. Owned and operated by Rush Street Gaming, it opened on February 8, 2017, following the passage of the New York State Constitution amendment authorizing non-Native American commercial gaming. The property is a key component of the redevelopment of the former American Locomotive Company (ALCO) site in the city's Stockade Historic District.

History

The establishment was made possible by the 2013 statewide referendum known as the Upstate New York Gaming Economic Development Act, which was signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo. This legislation authorized the construction of up to seven commercial casinos in three regions of New York, with the Capital District being a designated zone. Rush Street Gaming, founded by Neil Bluhm, was awarded the license for the Schenectady County location after a competitive bidding process overseen by the New York State Gaming Commission. The project involved a significant environmental remediation of the brownfield site, which was historically occupied by the American Locomotive Company and later by General Electric. The casino's construction and opening were seen as a major step in the ongoing revitalization of downtown Schenectady.

Facilities and amenities

The integrated resort features a 165-room luxury hotel tower with views of the Mohawk River and the adjacent Riverside Park. Its dining options include the upscale steakhouse Dukes Chophouse, the Italian restaurant Fortunes, and a food hall with various local offerings. For entertainment, the property contains a 1,100-seat event center that hosts concerts, comedy shows, and private functions, having featured performers like Jay Leno and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Other amenities include a full-service spa, an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and multiple bars and lounges. The architectural design incorporates elements reflecting the area's industrial heritage and connection to the Erie Canal.

Gaming

The casino floor spans approximately 50,000 square feet and offers over 1,150 slot machines, including popular titles from manufacturers like International Game Technology and Aristocrat Technologies. The table games area features more than 60 tables offering blackjack, roulette, craps, and several variants of poker. A dedicated poker room operates with regular tournaments and cash games. The gaming area also includes a high-limit salon for premium players and a sportsbook operated in partnership with Rush Street Interactive, which provides wagering on professional and collegiate sports following the legalization of sports betting in the United States.

Economic impact

Since its opening, the facility has become one of the largest taxpayers and employers in Schenectady County. It has generated significant revenue for local government and the state, with a portion of gaming taxes directed to education aid under the New York State Lottery formula. The project created over 1,000 permanent jobs and several hundred construction jobs, with hiring preferences given to residents of the city and county. Its presence has spurred ancillary development in the surrounding Stockade area, including new restaurants, retail, and residential projects, contributing to the broader economic strategy led by The Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority.

Ownership and management

The property is wholly owned and managed by Rush Street Gaming, a private casino developer based in Chicago with other properties including Rivers Casino Pittsburgh and Rivers Casino Des Plaines. The company's chairman, Neil Bluhm, is a prominent real estate and gaming investor. Day-to-day operations are overseen by a general manager who reports to the corporate leadership of Rush Street Gaming. The casino holds a gaming license from the New York State Gaming Commission, which regulates all aspects of its operations, and maintains partnerships with various community organizations and charities in the Capital District.

Category:Casinos in New York (state) Category:Buildings and structures in Schenectady, New York Category:Rush Street Gaming Category:2017 establishments in New York (state)