Heading to New Jersey to gamble will no longer be the only option for New Yorkers. The Catskills, the once popular summer destination of weekending New Yorkers, will be getting a big boost with the building of a $1B resort. It will include gambling, golf, shopping, a spa, a water park, and horse racing.

Developers have tried to get a casino in the Catskills for decades, but have never been able to acquire a license. After failed attempts with local native tribes, Louis Cappelli came up with the idea to buy out the old Empire Resort’s race track and incorporate it into a new mega resort.

The casino will have limited action with horse racing and video VLTs. It will not be a full-fledged casino, but the added attraction of some forms of gaming will surely make it a popular close getaway for many people.