NYS Commercial Casinos Locked Despite Booming Tribal Venues

New York State commercial casino locations might have to wait a little longer before they receive official permission to relaunch their operation. In a recent statement, Governor Andrew Cuomo pointed out that casino venues are not considered an essential business and they will have to remain closed for the time being. A reopening date has not been pinpointed.

Mid-March, both commercial and tribal casino venues and gaming halls across New York State had to close indefinitely, as social distancing was the recommended practice, and gambling in an enclosed space was not considered a safe one. So far the shutdown has lasted almost five months, but commercial casinos and tribal ones take into account different regulations and arrangements.

Casinos Remain Closed

This is the reason why the first days of the summer saw tribal gaming halls commence their reopening process and paving the way for their well-rounded portfolio to be up for grabs once again following months of closure. In the meantime, commercial venues had to remain closed since the government has not announced that they are eligible for a relaunch part of the businesses reopening plan.

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There are commercial casinos, racinos, as well as tribal casinos sprinkled across the state. Each of them complies with a different set of regulations. Tribal gaming compacts between the Native American tribes and the government allow them to make decisions autonomously without following the existing permissions. The tribal Class III and Class II venues closed for business for a brief period in the spring, following their own judgment of keeping their people safe, as well as gaming patrons.

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Following an evaluation of the situation, these tribal gaming venues first reopened with limited gaming portfolio, whereas most recently Oneida Indian Nation greenlighted its three sportsbooks at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, Point Place Casino in the Bridgeport area of Sullivan, and Yellow Brick Road Casino & Sports Book in Chittenango.

Tribal Venues Continue Operation

del Lago Resort & Casino in Seneca County, Resorts World Catskills, Rivers Casino in Schenectady, and Tioga Downs Casino Resort are the four commercial casino hotspots of New York State and the news they recently received was not the best possible ones. Gov. Cuomo pointed out that essential businesses are allowed to reopen at this point of the lockdown, keeping in mind the potential risks this might have.

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He also made it clear that density is also important, making less affected areas more appropriate at this reopening stage. About 5,000 casino staff members across the four commercial casino venues have been affected by the temporary closures lasting nearly five months. Individuals have been furloughed or laid off at the beginning of lockdown, but in a recent statement Executive Vice-President and General Manager Lance Young shed more light.

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He pointed out that the furloughed individuals will be rehired once again when in-person gambling at commercial casinos is permitted. All four of the venues have developed reopening plans with all safety protocols in place. Gov. Cuomo also pointed out that the essential nature of malls and shopping centers have made them a priority, as people need sustenance.