Construction on a $34 million hotel addition to the upstate New York casino and harness racing track will begin soon according to an announcement Wednesday, May 6th.

Based on an undated full environmental assessment, the New York State Gaming Commission has ruled that the addition would have no significant adverse impact – giving an effective green light to start construction on the 123,000 square foot, 108 room hotel property. Expected to open summer 2016, the property will feature an indoor pool, restaurant, and meeting space.

Saratoga Casino and Raceway opened in 1941 and added video lottery terminals (slots) in 2004 making it New York State’s first “racino”. The venue is located in Saratoga Springs, New York – accross the street from the legendary Saratoga Race Course, which opened in 1863 and is the 3rd oldest racetrack in the country.

The new hotel project will be located about 25 miles from Rivers Casino & Resort at Mohawk Harbor – one of three full scale casinos approved by a locations board for upstate New York in December. Rivers Casino is expected to open in 2017.