Monticello Casino and Raceway: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Welcome to the fascinating world of Monticello Casino and Raceway, a premier entertainment destination located in Sullivan County, New York. Offering a wide array of gaming and racing experiences, Monticello Casino and Raceway has become a top tourist attraction and economic driver for the region.

History and Background

• Opened in 1958 as Monticello Raceway, a harness racing track.
• Expanded in 1994 with the addition of a casino.
• Acquired by Empire Resorts in 2018.

Casino

Monticello Casino boasts over 1,500 slot machines and 50 table games, including Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, and Craps. The casino offers a variety of gaming options for all levels of players.

Slot Machines

• Over 1,500 slot machines with denominations ranging from penny slots to high-limit machines.
• Progressive slots with jackpots reaching millions of dollars.
• Variety of themes and games to choose from.

Table Games

• Blackjack: Over 20 blackjack tables with different table limits.
• Roulette: American and European roulette tables available.
• Baccarat: VIP and mini-baccarat tables for high rollers and casual players alike.
• Craps: A lively and exciting craps table with experienced dealers.

Poker Room

• Dedicated poker room with 12 tables.
• Daily and weekly tournaments with guaranteed prize pools.
• Cash games with a variety of stakes available.

Raceway

Monticello Raceway is one of New York's top harness racing tracks. It hosts over 200 races per year, attracting top drivers and horses from around the country.

Harness Racing

• Standardbred horses compete on a 1-mile oval track.
• Live racing from April to October.
• Simulcast racing available year-round from other tracks.

Grandstand and Amenities

• Grandstand with seating for over 7,000 spectators.
• Clubhouse with VIP seating and amenities.
• Dining and concession options available throughout the facility.

Dining and Entertainment

Monticello Casino and Raceway offers a wide variety of dining and entertainment options to complement your gaming and racing experience.

Restaurants

• Empire Buffet: A large buffet with a wide selection of dishes.
• Excelsior Restaurant: Fine dining with a focus on seafood and steaks.
• The Clubhouse Grill: Casual dining with a menu of burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

Bars and Lounges

• The Terrace: A rooftop bar with stunning views of the Catskill Mountains.
• The Rail: A lively bar with live music and a relaxed atmosphere.
• The Finish Line: A bar located near the racetrack, perfect for watching races.

Amenities and Facilities

Hotel

• The adjacent Resorts World Catskills offers over 1,000 luxury hotel rooms and suites.
• Hotel amenities include a spa, fitness center, and indoor and outdoor pools.

Retail

• The Mall at Monticello: An upscale shopping mall with over 60 stores.
• Gift shop located within the casino.

Other Amenities

• Free parking
• Valet parking
• Wheelchair accessibility
• Childcare services

Promotions and Events

Monticello Casino and Raceway offers a variety of promotions and events throughout the year to enhance your experience.

Promotions

• Slot club rewards program
• Table game promotions
• Poker tournaments
• Giveaways and drawings

Events

• Live music performances
• Comedy shows
• Racing tournaments
• Special events for holidays and celebrations

Responsible Gaming

Monticello Casino and Raceway is committed to responsible gaming. The casino offers a variety of resources and support for players who may be struggling with gambling addiction.

• Self-exclusion program
• Gambling counselors
• Educational materials

Economic Impact

Monticello Casino and Raceway has a significant economic impact on the Sullivan County region.

• Provides jobs for over 1,500 employees.
• Generates over $200 million in annual revenue.
• Supports local businesses and tourism.

Conclusion

Monticello Casino and Raceway is a premier entertainment destination that offers a wide range of gaming, racing, dining, and entertainment options. With its convenient location, modern facilities, and commitment to responsible gaming, Monticello Casino and Raceway is the perfect place to enjoy a memorable and exciting experience.

Table 1: Monticello Casino Slot Machine Statistics

Table 2: Monticello Raceway Harness Racing Statistics

Table 3: Monticello Casino and Raceway Economic Impact

Monticello Casino and Raceway: A Comprehensive Guide to Gaming, Entertainment, and Horse Racing

Nestled in the Catskill Mountains of New York, Monticello Casino and Raceway is a premier destination for gaming, entertainment, and horse racing enthusiasts alike. With over 2,500 slot machines, 120 live table games, and a world-class harness racing facility, Monticello offers an unparalleled experience for visitors.

Gaming at Monticello Casino

Monticello Casino features a vast array of gaming options, catering to all preferences and skill levels.

Slot Machines

The casino boasts an impressive collection of over 2,500 slot machines, ranging from classic reels to the latest video slots. Players can choose from a variety of themes, paylines, and jackpots to suit their unique tastes.

Table Games

For those who prefer traditional table games, Monticello offers a wide selection of options, including:

• Blackjack
• Roulette
• Craps
• Baccarat
• Poker

Poker Room

The Poker Room at Monticello is a popular destination for poker enthusiasts, hosting daily tournaments and cash games. Players of all levels are welcome to participate in the action.

Entertainment at Monticello Casino

Beyond gaming, Monticello Casino offers a variety of entertainment options to keep guests entertained.

Live Music

The casino's music venue, The Lounge, hosts live bands and DJs throughout the week, providing a lively atmosphere for guests to enjoy.

Dining

Monticello offers a range of dining options, from casual to fine dining. Guests can choose from a variety of restaurants, including:

• Redwood Bar & Grill: A casual spot for burgers, sandwiches, and snacks.
• North Fork Oyster Bar & Grill: A seafood-centric restaurant offering fresh oysters, clams, and lobster rolls.
• Mama's Cucina: An Italian restaurant serving classic dishes made with fresh ingredients.

Nightlife

Monticello's nightlife scene is centered around Lotus Nightclub, which features a dance floor, DJ booth, and VIP areas. The club hosts themed events and live performances throughout the year.

Harness Racing at Monticello Raceway

Harness racing is a popular attraction at Monticello Raceway, with races held throughout the year. The track offers:

• Live Racing: Spectators can watch harness races in person, wager on their favorite horses, and experience the excitement of the sport.
• Simulcasting: Monticello Raceway also offers simulcasting, allowing guests to bet on races from other tracks around the country.
• Horse Sales: The track hosts horse sales several times a year, providing opportunities for owners and trainers to acquire new horses.

Tables for Reference

Gaming Statistics

Entertainment Options

Harness Racing Statistics

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1: The Big Jackpot

In 2019, a lucky patron at Monticello Casino won a $1.5 million jackpot on a slot machine. The player, a regular visitor to the casino, was thrilled with the life-changing prize.

Lesson Learned: Even small stakes can lead to big wins.

Story 2: The Horse Racing Success Story

A local trainer named John Smith brought his horse, Lightning Bolt, to Monticello Raceway for a race. Against all odds, Lightning Bolt won the race by a nose and went on to become a top performer in the sport.

Lesson Learned: Dreams can come true with determination and hard work.

Story 3: The Responsible Gambler

A couple named Mike and Karen frequented Monticello Casino for entertainment. They always set a budget and stuck to it, ensuring that gaming remained a fun and enjoyable activity.

Lesson Learned: Responsible gambling is essential for a healthy and fulfilling life.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Chasing Losses: Never try to chase losses by betting more. This often leads to a downward spiral that can result in financial hardship.

2. Ignoring Time Limits: Set a time limit for yourself and stick to it. It's easy to lose track of time when gambling, so it's important to stay disciplined.

3. Drinking and Gambling: Alcohol can impair judgment and lead to poor decisions. Avoid drinking heavily while gambling.

Pros and Cons of Monticello Casino and Raceway

Pros

• Wide variety of gaming options
• World-class harness racing facility
• Convenient location in the Catskill Mountains
• Multiple dining and entertainment options

Cons

• Can be crowded during peak hours
• Limits on alcohol consumption
• Guests under 18 are not allowed (unless accompanied by a parent or guardian)