The Rivers Casino Schenectady is very busy as of late, signing a new iGaming deal with Penn National Gaming and preparing to launch a new live dealer school. Both options are signs of the casino’s growth in the New Year.
New Sports Betting and Online Casino Deal
First up is the new deal with Penn National Gaming. The company’s Penn Interactive unit has signed a deal with Rivers to allow the brand to offer mobile sports betting along with online casino games. They will operate as a second skin on the iGaming license of the company.
The deal cannot move forward unless the state approves mobile betting for sports. It is expected that should happen soon as Governor Andrew Cuomo is supportive of the idea. Terms of the deal between the two companies have not been revealed.
In a statement on the matter, senior vice president of Penn National, Jon Kaplowitz, commented that the company is hopeful that the State Assembly will follow the state that is leading producers of online revenue to allow multiple skins for the sports betting industry via mobile. Kaplowitz said that the size of the state warrants open competition as well as a free market.
Penn National is hoping to use its Barstool Sportsbook brand and offer services in New York State. The brand is already live in Pennsylvania and Michigan. The goal is to be live in 10 states by the end of this year.
Free Dealer School
To further help its land-based operations, Rivers Casino Schenectady is offering a live dealer school. The school will be free to attend, offering a six-week course program. Students will be trained in several games including blackjack.
Participants who finish the dealer school classes will be given a gaming license in the state. That person is then eligible for a part- or full-time job at the casino. The first course of the school will start on March 1. It should be hosted by the existing training center of the casino.
Classes will run from 1 to 5 pm and 6 to 10 pm. There will also be a morning class, but it will not start until March 15. With three class times, it makes it easy for people to plan around school or work needs to attend classes.
Individuals interested in classes are not required to have table game dealing experience. However, they do need to be at least 21 years of age or older. Table game dealers of the Rivers Casino are treated well, receiving paid time off, a 401(k) plan, tuition reimbursement, plus insurance plans. An application form needs to be filled out by individuals interested in attending the dealer school. The application can be found online at the Rivers Casino Schenectady website.
The Rivers Casino reopened in September after a prolonged closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The venue saw a significant number of revenue losses due to the shutdown time frame. The casino is in need of new dealers and hopes that this year will be much better than the last when it comes to tourism numbers and revenue earnings.
