Now that opening day has passed, it's time to wait and find out if the promises made to the region will be promises kept by Resorts World Catskills coming to Sullivan County.

Ryan Eller, president and CEO of the casino, says that the facility is bringing not only jobs, but will also anchor the region as a tourism destination.

Resorts World Catskills is projected to bring in $80-104 million in taxes for the state in its first year, and generate as much as $1 billion or more in economic impact to the state. Officials believe their location in the Catskills, proximity to New York City and the resort-style campus are to their advantage.

Eller was reluctant to compare the less-than-desired tax income from other state casinos to the future of his property. He says, though, that what has been created in Sullivan County is uniquely-designed for the area and the market.

"We know what our market opportunity is," said Eller on opening day. "But in order to maximize that, we had to build a very large project that is very attractive, and that it will be someplace that people in the New York metro region and the Northeast and nationally will want to visit."

Casino officials and the local proponents who helped drive the project forward are also banking on its success. Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (D - Forestburgh) says she's already seen the growth in home purchases in the region, and she believes the county is moving in the right direction.