Monticello Gaming and Raceway

Monticello Gaming and Raceway overview

Located in Monticello, New York, Monticello Gaming and Raceway is a Racino that offers both harness racing and a track for racing enthusiasts.

Located in the picturesque Catskill Mountains resort area, the track commenced its operations during the summer of 1958. Harness races, held every afternoon throughout the year, quickly made it a beloved spot among enthusiasts. Fondly referred to as “The Mighty M”, it soon gained recognition as a prominent racing destination.

From the 1980s until the year 2000, both the resort area and the track experienced a decline in popularity.

In 2004, the property underwent a $27 million renovation and was subsequently rebranded as Monticello Gaming and Raceway. The renovation encompassed various enhancements such as the installation of Video Lottery Terminals, the establishment of a 350-seat buffet, the inclusion of additional food outlets, and the creation of a cocktail lounge and bar area.

Efforts were made to secure approval for the construction of a Native American casino in collaboration with the St. Regis Mohawk tribe at the designated location. However, in January 2008, the Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior rejected these plans. It seems that the Mohawk reservation was deemed too distant from the track for the project to proceed.

The tradition of horse racing remained strong at the track as Monticello Gaming and Raceway introduced an upgraded simulcasting room in 2016. This revamped space boasted 35 television screens showcasing live harness and thoroughbred racing. Additionally, a heated bleacher section was incorporated on the racing apron for spectators’ comfort.

A sister casino and resort is coming

In 2013, there was a constitutional amendment passed in New York that allowed for the issuance of new commercial gaming licenses across the entire state. The following year, three projects were granted these licenses. These projects consisted of the del Lago Resort & Casino located in Waterloo, the Rivers Casino and Resort situated in Schenectady, and the Montreign Resort and Casino in the Catskills. Later on, a fourth commercial casino license was awarded to the Tioga Downs Racino in Nichols.

The Montreign Resort and Casino project was proposed by Empire Resorts, Inc., the owners of Monticello Gaming and Raceway. While the other three commercial casino properties have already commenced operations, the Montreign Resort and Casino is set to start in the spring of 2018.

In the spring of 2017, the construction of a casino and resort worth $1 billion was progressing smoothly. The project comprised an impressive 18-story establishment, encompassing a casino, hotel, and entertainment complex. Among its offerings were over 100 table games, 2,000 slot machines, and a total of 330 luxurious rooms, including penthouse suites, garden suites, and villas. Conveniently located, the property was merely a ten-minute drive away from the Monticello Gaming and Raceway.

Located in the scenic Catskill Mountains of southern Upstate New York, Monticello Gaming and Raceway can be found conveniently at Exit 104 of Route 17, along New York State Route 17B. This prime location offers easy access to the raceway and Racino.

40,000 square feet of gaming

With 40,000 square feet of gaming space, Monticello Casino and Raceway presents an extensive range of entertainment options. The Racino features over 1,000 Video Lottery Terminals alongside 40 electronic table games.

The property offers a wide range of slot-style VLTs, catering to different preferences and budgets. These machines encompass various denominations, from penny games to high-limit options, as well as exciting progressive jackpots and engaging video poker games. Among the selection, some of the most sought-after games are:

• Wheel of Fortune
• Red Hot Jackpots

Monticello Casino and Raceway offers a wide range of Electronic Table Games, including:

• Blackjack
• Roulette
• 3 card poker
• Craps

In addition to providing live harness races, the facility also allows pari-mutuel betting on these races. Additionally, it offers simulcasts of both harness and thoroughbred races from various racetracks across the nation.

Online casino games at Monticello casino?

Despite their limited experience in the online gaming industry, Monticello Casino and Raceway, along with its owner Empire Resorts, Inc., have consistently pursued various avenues to generate additional revenue. This is evident from their initiatives to collaborate with the St. Regis Mohawk tribe in constructing a Native American casino on their premises, and eventually gaining approval to establish the Montreign Resort and Casino, which is just a short distance away.

There has been no discussion among New York legislators about allowing legal and regulated online casino activities in the state. However, if this were to change, Monticello Casino and Raceway seems eager to seize the opportunity for increased revenue. They might consider partnering with renowned online casino operators to provide popular games such as blackjack, craps, and roulette for real money gambling in New York. Some potential established operators that could potentially offer their casino and slot games online in NY include:

• DraftKings New York Casino
• FanDuel New York Casino
• BetRivers New York Casino
• Caesars New York Casino
• BetMGM New York Casino

The potential profitability of the New York market could result in the emergence of numerous new casino sites in the state. These sites would be enthusiastic about attracting online customers and would likely be prompted by legislation to do so.

Monticello online poker

During the first quarter of 2018, two identical bills aiming to legalize and regulate online poker in New York were presented in both the New York Senate and Assembly. The Chairman of the Committee on Racing and Wagering in the State Assembly asserted that there are minimal obstacles hindering the passage of this legislation. Furthermore, he mentioned that all licensed casino and Racino establishments in New York are in favor of this proposition.

Empire Resorts, Inc., the owner of Monticello Casino and Raceway as well as the upcoming Montreign Resort and Casino, is expected to explore various revenue sources due to the $1 billion cost of constructing the Montreign Resort and Casino.

More than just gaming

Monticello Casino and Raceway also offers:

• A 350-seat buffet
• The Terrace Dining Room can accommodate up to 100 guests.
• There are two food outlets available in the food court.
• A lounge specifically designed for entertainment purposes, offering ample seating arrangements for up to 75 individuals.
• Central bar
• Refurbished state-of-the-art simulcast zone
• There are parking spaces available for 2,000 cars and 10 buses.

Free rewards

Monticello Casino and Raceway provides complimentary membership to its exclusive Players’ Club, granting members a range of benefits and privileges.

• Rewards
• Benefits
• VIP treatment

Points are earned by members through playing VLTs and placing wagers at Monticello Raceway, which can later be redeemed for various items or rewards.

• Free Slot Play
• Food comps
• Merchandise
• Special offers
• Promotions
• VIP invitations
• Discounts
• Coupons!