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According to del Lago's latest weekly financial report submitted to the state Gaming Commission, the casino now has 1,980 slot machines and 98 table games. 

Jeff Babinski, executive vice president and general manager at del Lago Resort & Casino, said there was another reason why some slot machines were removed: space. 

When the casino had 2,001 slot machines, there were a couple of points on the gaming floor where there would be traffic jams due to large numbers of players. If all the machines in these areas were occupied and you had additional guests standing near the games, it made it difficult to navigate through the crowd. 

To address the need for space, del Lago removed some of the underperforming slot machines. If the machines were strong performers, the games were moved to a new location on the casino floor. 

Adding more table games and reducing the number of slot machines hasn't had any impact on business. During the week of April 17-23, del Lago reported $3,415,157 in pre-tax gaming revenue — its second-best week since it opened in February. 

Through the first three months of operation, del Lago's pre-tax revenue is $39,300,272. 

The casino has hit the $13 million mark in two of its first three months. The lowest gross gaming revenue total was reported in March, which was a difficult month for del Lago. 

Weather impacted the casino's performance. When a winter storm hit central New York and the Finger Lakes region, roads were closed and travel bans were in place. 

While snow and wintry weather can impact the casino business, Babinski said sunny skies and warmer temperatures can have a similar effect. 

"It's a double-edged sword," he said. "You talk about winter and snow and roads that are trying to be cleared by the trucks and people can't get out. But then you want warmer weather. You want sunshine. But then when you first get that nice day and the country club is open and people want to get out in the yard, they're out there doing yard work. 

"It's kind of funny. You talk to your corporate team and it's 'Weather impacted us.' But then it's nice out and you go, 'Well, weather impacted us.' It's hit and miss." 

That's why Babinski said programming and promotional ideas are important. A good promotion or a big event can drive people to the casino regardless of the weather conditions. 

A major development that could help the casino's business is the opening of its 205-room hotel. Construction crews are continuing to work on the interior of the hotel. The plan is to open the hotel this summer. Del Lago is accepting reservations for dates beginning Friday, July 14. 

Along with the hotel, Spa del Lago and another restaurant, The Sociale, will open this summer. Babinski said that side of the gaming facility is "moving along." 

"We'll be ready to welcome our guests and I think it's going to be incremental to our business and definitely a benefit," he said. "Our guests really want to be able to stay here and have a great dinner and play a little bit on the machines." 

More than 200 people will work in the hotel, spa and the restaurant. Two important hires have already been made: the hotel's general manager and the spa director. 

Interviews are underway for other positions. Babinski said they started conducting group interviews earlier in the month. They're interviewing nearly 90 people a day who are interested in positions at the hotel. 

The casino will host a hotel and spa job fair Wednesday.