Rush Street Gaming has officially welcomed sports betting to New York, as its Rivers Casino and Resort Schenectady accepted the states first legal wagers.

Debuting it new Rivers sportsbook lounge this week, a number of representatives, guests and dignitaries attended the ribbon cutting ceremony, including Sean Landeta, Super Bowl champion and former New York Giants punter, Erik Coleman, Pro-Bowl safety and former New York Jet; and Bucky Dent, World Series MVP and ex-New York Yankee.

Rivers Casino’s sports wagering supplier Rush Street Interactive promises a “high quality in-casino sportsbook solution,” as it adds the property to its Pennsylvania operations at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh and SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia

Justin Moore, Rivers Casino and Resort acting general manager, said of the launch: “We’re so proud to be the first gaming operator in New York to take legal sports bets. Many people worked very hard to make legal sports wagering a reality in New York State, and we thank all of them for their tireless efforts and dedication. 

“Sports fans and bettors from across the capital region and beyond will be thrilled with our new state-of-the-art Rivers Sportsbook lounge. We look forward to having them as guests at Rivers Casino and Resort and the City of Schenectady.”

Occupying over 5,000 square feet, the Rivers Sportsbook contains a 53′ x 9′ LED video wall that anchors the sportsbook viewing area, along with 22 additional TV monitors, as well as 14 betting kiosks and 6 staffed betting windows.

Gary McCarthy, mayor of Schenectady, added: “We couldn’t be happier for our great community partner Rivers Casino and Resort. It is indeed a historic day not just for the state of New York, but for the City of Schenectady. 

“As Rivers Casino grows, so does its positive impact on our community. The opening of Rivers Sportsbook will surely attract even more guests to the property and to our great city. 

“Looking ahead, we are also hopeful that our leaders in Albany will see how hard Rivers Casino is working to keep up with growing regional competition, and recognise how important it is for them to address structural tax disadvantages in the market.”