New York State commercial casino location will have the chance to relaunch in-person gambling as soon as September 9. In a recent statement, Gov. Andrew Cuomo gave his greenlight of the process that will see the local gaming field revived with a 25-percent occupancy limit mandatory. The recent announcement affects both casinos and racinos adjacent to racetracks.
Mid-March, casino locations across the state announced their temporary closure due to the unprecedented situation and the ultimate goal of player protection. Casino staff members of both tribal and commercial casinos had to stay home and stay safe during these trying times. However, in the wake of this summer, some tribal venues decided it is safe to relaunch operation. Meanwhile, commercial venues had to remain closed.
Commercial Casinos Reopen
Several horse racetracks across the state have reported dangerously low purse money that will make it impossible for the racing hotspot to continue their operation in a normal way. Vernon Downs and Tioga Downs overseen by a single owner are fighting to stay afloat and not see their permanent closure later on this fall.
The racinos on the premise of both racetracks have not been allowed to relaunch operation in a safe manner. Owner Jeff Gural recently pointed out that there is no purse money left for the two racetracks without casino operation and they will have to cut short the 2020 racing season mid-September. However, this scenario might be avoided after all, because Gov. Cuomo gave his nod recently. The recent announcement affects both well-rounded casinos and locations offering video lottery terminals.
This means that all commercial casinos and gaming halls adjacent to horse racetracks will get the chance to launch operation as soon as next Wednesday. This could happen if they have implemented all safety protocols they have been working on over the past nearly six months of lockdown and both players and casino employees have their health protected at all times.
Greenlight Given
Gov. Cuomo recently made it clear that the casinos and racinos will have to work with a 25-percent occupancy limit, at least during this first phase of the reopening process. This is projected to make it safer for the people making their way there and exploring the offerings in store. Some of the slot machines available will have to be switched off, in order to create a six-feet distance between the working ones.
Resorts World is preparing for the relaunch of its Resorts World Catskills and Resorts World Casino New York City. Bob DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East, stated that the preparation for this day has been in progress for quite a while and both locations will be ready to reopen next week. Safety protocols also would have to be extensive and well-rounded.
For the time being, table gaming would not be allowed on the premises of the casino venues, as this would not create the needed space between the players. This offering could launch in the upcoming months with its respective safety protocols. Food and drinks would also not be allowed on the premises of the gaming venues.
