Resorts World Catskills — A Contemporary Resort in New York’s Hudson Valley

Resorts World Catskills is one of the most significant integrated casino resorts developed in New York State in the past decade. Located in Monticello, Sullivan County, within the historic Catskills region of the Hudson Valley, the complex was officially opened in February 2018 following a statewide casino expansion initiative. As of 2026, it remains a key driver of regional tourism, combining a full-scale gaming floor, luxury accommodation, conference facilities and spa infrastructure. Its position roughly 90 miles north of New York City makes it accessible for metropolitan visitors while supporting the long-standing revival of the Catskills as a leisure destination.

Location, Development and Regional Impact

The resort stands on the former site of the Concord Hotel, once a cornerstone of the Borscht Belt era that defined mid-20th century holiday culture in the Catskills. After decades of economic decline in the region, New York voters approved commercial casinos in 2013, enabling projects such as Resorts World Catskills to move forward. The development represented an investment of over $1 billion and was positioned as a catalyst for employment and infrastructure growth in Sullivan County.

Its proximity to Interstate 86 and Route 17 allows straightforward access from New York City, New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania. The location also benefits from the surrounding natural landscape of the Hudson Valley, known for outdoor recreation, hiking trails and seasonal tourism. This blend of natural scenery and regulated casino gaming has broadened the appeal of the region beyond traditional summer travel patterns.

By 2026, the property continues to contribute significantly to local employment, supporting thousands of direct and indirect jobs. Tax revenues generated by the casino are distributed across education funds, local municipalities and state initiatives, in accordance with New York’s gaming legislation. While the regional market has become more competitive due to downstate casino expansion discussions, Resorts World Catskills remains a central economic anchor in the upper Hudson Valley.

Ownership and Regulatory Framework

Resorts World Catskills is operated by Empire Resorts, which is part of the Genting Group, a global hospitality and gaming company headquartered in Malaysia. Genting has extensive experience in regulated markets, including the United Kingdom, Singapore and the United States. This international background has shaped operational standards at the New York property.

The casino operates under a licence issued by the New York State Gaming Commission. All gaming activities, from slot machines to table games, are subject to strict regulatory oversight. Financial reporting, internal controls and responsible gambling policies are monitored to ensure compliance with state law.

As of 2026, regulatory scrutiny remains rigorous, particularly regarding anti-money laundering procedures and responsible gaming safeguards. The property maintains identity verification protocols, transaction monitoring systems and cooperation with state authorities to uphold legal and ethical standards in the American land-based casino sector.

Gaming Facilities and Casino Floor

The gaming floor at Resorts World Catskills spans approximately 100,000 square feet. It features more than 1,600 slot machines and electronic gaming terminals, alongside around 150 live table games. These include blackjack, baccarat, craps, roulette and several poker variations, reflecting mainstream preferences within the US land-based market.

A dedicated poker room offers cash games and tournament formats, while a separate high-limit area caters to premium guests seeking elevated betting limits and private service. The design emphasises open layouts, modern lighting and digital player tracking systems integrated through the Genting rewards programme.

In addition to traditional gaming, the property includes a sportsbook operated under New York’s regulated sports betting framework. Since the legalisation of retail sports wagering in the state, the resort has provided on-site betting facilities for major American leagues and international events, complementing the rapid growth of mobile betting across New York.

Technology, Security and Player Protections

Gaming operations rely on certified hardware and software supplied by established manufacturers such as IGT, Light & Wonder and Aristocrat. All slot systems are connected to central monitoring networks that track performance, payouts and compliance in real time, ensuring transparency for both regulators and operators.

Surveillance infrastructure covers the entire gaming floor, with high-definition cameras, secure count rooms and controlled access areas. These measures are standard within licensed US casinos and are designed to prevent fraud, theft and procedural breaches.

Responsible gambling tools are visibly integrated into the guest experience. Visitors may request voluntary self-exclusion through the New York State Gaming Commission programme, and informational materials about problem gambling support services are available on site. Staff are trained to recognise signs of gambling harm and to direct individuals to professional assistance where appropriate.

Accommodation, Amenities and Guest Experience

The resort’s hotel tower rises 18 storeys and contains over 300 suites, each designed with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Catskill Mountains. Rooms are positioned within the upper-upscale segment, featuring contemporary interiors, spacious bathrooms and in-room technology consistent with modern hospitality standards in the United States.

Dining facilities range from fine-dining restaurants to casual venues and bars. Culinary offerings typically combine American cuisine with international influences, reflecting the diverse visitor base from the New York metropolitan area. Private dining spaces and event catering are available for conferences and social functions.

Beyond gaming, the property includes the Crystal Life Spa, fitness facilities and meeting spaces exceeding 27,000 square feet. These amenities support corporate events, weddings and regional conventions, reinforcing the resort’s positioning as a multifunctional destination rather than a standalone casino hall.

Integration with the Hudson Valley Tourism Landscape

The Catskills region has experienced a gradual revival since the early 2010s, with renewed interest in boutique hotels, outdoor recreation and heritage tourism. Resorts World Catskills complements this revival by attracting visitors who combine gaming with hiking, skiing or cultural visits in nearby towns such as Woodstock and Bethel.

Seasonal fluctuations remain characteristic of the region, particularly during winter months. However, the resort’s indoor entertainment infrastructure provides year-round appeal, helping stabilise visitor numbers outside peak summer and autumn foliage seasons.

As of 2026, Resorts World Catskills continues to balance its role as a regulated gaming venue with its function as a hospitality complex embedded in the broader Hudson Valley tourism ecosystem. Its long-term sustainability will depend on competitive positioning, regulatory developments in downstate New York and evolving consumer preferences in the American leisure market.