The New York State Gaming Commission's siting board says Rivers Casino and Resort in Schenectady should get the lone Capital Region license. At its meeting Wednesday afternoon, the board also gave the thumbs-up to the Lago Resort in the Finger Lakes region and the Montreign Resort Casino proposal in Thompson in Sullivan County. The panel decided not to recommend a fourth. The decision means proposals in East Greenbush, Rensselaer and Schoharie County and all of Ulster and Orange County have failed.
The Gaming Facility Location Board's announcement Wednesday brings to an end a fierce competition among 16 developers and job-hungry communities for four casino licenses.
With its proximity to New York City, the Catskills and mid-Hudson Valley attracted the most interest, with nine bidders.
Voters last year authorized up to four casinos to be divided among three upstate regions: the Albany-Saratoga area, the Southern Tier-Finger Lakes region and the Catskills and mid-Hudson Valley.
The board's decision isn't the final step. Background checks and environmental reviews will be completed, and the licenses must be formally awarded by the state's Gaming Commission.
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