Announcement to come
Governor Andrew Cuomo has plans to provide details regarding the reopening of New York commercial casinos this week. During a conference call over the weekend, Cuomo announced that it should be “positive news.” Non-essential businesses have reopened in phases with gyms allowed to start offering services again last week. The casinos are some of the last businesses that remain shut down because of COVID-19.
While the commercial casinos have remained inactive, gaming venues operated by Native American tribes have been operational for months. They are not bound by state laws and have COVID-19 regulations in place as they offer services.
Casinos hope for the best
The del Lago Resort & Casino, Resorts World Catskills, Tioga Downs Casino Resort, and the Rivers Casino are the four commercial casinos in the state. The casinos want to get back to work and have warned that with a continued delay in reopening, as many as 5,000 jobs may be lost.
We’re trying to find a balance.”
Governor Cuomo has faced criticism over the past few months as he continues to delay the reopening of these facilities. Cuomo has repeatedly pointed out that he is worried about the recirculating air in large spaces like casinos and the lack of social distancing, saying: “We’re trying to find a balance. I understand people’s anger and frustration. I do.”
Most casino employees have been furloughed and Cuomo says he understands the economic reality of not working. He sees that as other places reopen and casinos remain closed, it only adds to the frustration level.
It is unclear as to the exact date this week when Governor Cuomo will provide details about the commercial casinos.
Rallying for reopening
Employees are ready to get back to work and want Governor Cuomo to provide a timeline so they can feel more at ease on their employment status. In mid-August, New York commercial casino employees came together to rally in Albany, the state’s capital, calling for Cuomo to allow reopening to begin.
plan on continuing the rallying efforts
The rally was the start of an ongoing effort. After going to the capital, the group went to del Lago last week to continue to urge the governor to allow them to get back to work. If the group does not hear from the state soon, they plan on continuing the rallying efforts.