In Upstate New York, a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening of the new Resorts World Catskills educational center and casino dealer school at Stewart International Airport in Newburgh took place on Sept. 7.

Participants included Steven M. Neuhaus and Kevin Hines, Orange County Executive and Orange County Legislator, respectively, along with Empire Resorts Executive Vice President Charles Degliomini; Stewart International Airport General Manager, Ed Harrison; and Orange County Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer, Lynn Cione, according to The Warwick Advertiser.

Orange County Executive Neuhaus said it was not only a monumental day for Orange County but for the entire region, as well. Neuhaus said, “The long-anticipated arrival of Resorts World Catskills is quickly approaching. As part of our ongoing commitment to job creation and retention, the county has made a significant investment in the casino dealer school at Stewart Airport. I am glad that one of these schools is in Orange County and I encourage interested residents to take advantage of this opportunity,” as reported by the news agency.

There will be no charge for any of the table game classes at the 4,500-square foot casino dealer school, which is conveniently located on a county bus route serving the City of Newburgh.

Before the Resorts World Catskills casino opens its doors in March 2018, it anticipates hiring approximately 600 dealers. Twenty training hours per week for at least six weeks for core games such as poker, blackjack, roulette and baccarat, will be provided to residents who are registered for the dealer school.

More complex games will reportedly require additional training.

Upon successful completion of training, students can apply and will then have to audition and interview for positions as table game dealers, according to The Warwick Advertiser.

Empire Resorts Executive VP, Degliomini, reportedly said that the casino has been a dream for years. One that is being realized now as they “begin to train local residents for jobs that will begin in the coming months.” Degliomini went on to say, “It is great to work with the leadership of Orange County to bring jobs to the region. This will be a great advantage to the community, which was the initial objective of New York State when it granted us a license for a casino,” as reported by The Warwick Advertiser.

Those residents interested in obtaining more information regarding the dealer school and becoming a table-game dealer can visit one of the open houses being held every Friday from 1 pm to 3 pm for more information.

Any individual who would like to enroll in the Resorts World Dealer School may do so by emailing deal@rwcatskills.com.

Resorts World Catskills’ 18-story casino will reportedly offer 100,000 square feet of gaming space, 100-plus gaming tables, 2,150 state-of-the-art slot machines, private gaming salons and a poker room. Included in the guest amenities are 332 all-suite luxury rooms, which include seven two-story villas, eight garden suites, 12 penthouse suites, spa and fitness center and two indoor pools. It’s all part of a four-season destination resort with a $1.2 billion price tag being developed in Sullivan County’s Town of Thompson.

The casino was formerly known as the Montreign Resort Casino until owner Empire Resorts Inc. agreed a naming rights deal with the Genting Group in May this year.