While the numbers aren’t available for the first full week, according to a report submitted to the New York State Gaming Commission, patrons spent upwards of $36 million on gaming at del Lago Resort & Casino during the first six days of operation.
The Auburn Citizen reports that patrons spent $32,921,546 at del Lago’s 2,001 slot machines and $3,736,444 at the Seneca County casino’s 77 table games from its soft launch on Jan, 31 through Feb. 5. The average daily payout for slots at the Waterloo, New York casino was $252, while the figures for the 12 poker tables at the casino weren’t provided.
Of the casino’s $3,317,758 in gross gaming revenue for the week, the bulk, some $3,020,242, was from the slots. A total of $297,515 in gross revenue came from the table games, poker included, according to the news agency.
Del Lago’s grand opening and ceremonial ribbon cutting, which featured Gov. Andrew Cuomo, took place on Feb. 1st.The casino drew over 6,500 people on that first day. A partnership between Rochester-based Wilmorite Inc. and Peninsula Pacific, the $440 million casino will pay a 10 percent and 37 percent tax rate on its table games and slot machine revenues, respectively. Seneca County and the gaming region’s other counties will share a portion of the state-collected tax revenue.
Speaking to the casino’s first week of operation, Jeff Babinski, the executive vice president and general manager of del Lago, reportedly said that the first week was a “whirlwind.” Babinski went on to say that while the casino’s table games and slot machines saw a lot of action, the restaurants also saw a good deal of traffic. According to the report, on Feb. 4, the casino’s first Saturday in operation, more than 2,100 people were served at the Farmer’s Market Buffet.
Babinski was reportedly pleased with del Lago employees’ handling of the sizeable crowds. He went on to say that the feedback received up to this point has mostly been positive. The general manager acknowledged that some areas of the operation still need to be worked on. He said that the table games, including the dealers and the game offering, have been the focus of some of the criticism. Babinski said, “It’s never going to be perfect and I know where we need to focus on and improve,” according to the report.
While figures from Feb. 6-12, del Lago’s first full week of operation, have yet to be made available, the opening of the casino’s entertainment venue, The Vine, which hosted two concerts on Saturday, likely boosted business. The casino could see some high roller traffic later this month when Portico by Fabio Viviani, del Lago’s upscale restaurant opens. A Feb. 23 grand opening is scheduled for the restaurant.
The venue’s 205-room hotel, spa, banquet facility, and The Sociale Café & Bar are all slated to open this summer.