NY Casino Ordered to Comply with Vaccine Protocols

After hidden camera footage recorded staff members of Resorts World Casino New York City allowing patrons into its premises without proof of vaccination, Gov. Kathy Hochul decided to address the issue. The Queens-based gaming property was permitted to form its own vaccination checks as it is located on top of state land, making it exempt from the city’s mandate.

The violation of vaccination proof protocols was found by NBC New York I-Team last month who set up a hidden camera. The team was allowed into the property without having to show proof of immunization, despite signage saying that it is required for everyone entering to provide such proof. The undercover team was even able to order food and sit down at a table.

Governor’s Order

This Tuesday, the de Blasio administration clarified that New York City’s vaccination proof policy did not apply to the Resorts World Casino as the property is based on state-owned land. However, On Wednesday, Gov. Hochul ordered the casino to follow the NYS vaccination rules. In her opinion, every New Yorker should get the jab, as it would help for the greater good of the city and the state.

Dan Bank, a representative of the casino, pointed out that the facility has already developed and implemented its 21 Point Safety Plan after its reopening last year. However, he said that the property will still comply with the governor’s order as it wants to adhere to the latest health and safety rules and help out New York to recover from the unprecedented situation.

New York City Emergency Executive Order No. 225, implemented on August 16th, states that visitors are required to show proof of vaccination to movie theaters, music or concert venues, adult entertainment, and casinos. Prior to the casino’s management agreeing to the city’s vaccination protocols, the I-team has also found that the gaming property was the subject of 22 complaints about failing to check the vaccination records of patrons. The complaints were accumulated between August 13 and October 31.

By the time of November 1, 2021, the city of New York has conducted over 56,500 inspections which led to 8,400 warnings for businesses that were caught red-handed for not checking vaccination records of clients. The first detected violation will result in a warning, the second one in US1,000 fine, and the third one US$2,000. With fourth and all following costing US$5,000.

Leading the Race

More recent news regarding Resorts World New York City shows reports from Maybank IB Research that suggested that the property could be one of the three winners of a full-fledged casino license. The New York Gaming Commission is set to award three licenses to downstate casinos and the Genting Malaysia’s gaming facility is in a great position, as it already operates in the state by offering slots-only gambling.

Backed by Locals

The Queens-located gaming property has also been backed by a coalition of local community groups and organizations to become a full-size casino. The coalition sent a letter to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, which emphasizes the positives for the region if the property is expanded. It would provide more jobs for locals, and generate more revenue for the budget.

Source: Glorioso, Chris “Gov. Hochul Orders Queens Casino to Comply With NYC Vaccine Mandate After I-Team Probe”, NBC New York, November 10, 2021