ALBANY — Casinos and video lottery terminals are set to reopen next Wednesday, but at only 25 percent capacity, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Cuomo announced casinos and video lottery terminal facilities will be allowed to reopen, but all venues that choose to reopen will be subject to strict safety protocols, including strict enforcement of face coverings except when eating or drinking, social distancing, additional staff to control occupancy, traffic flow and seating to avoid crowding, and enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols. Casinos must also have enhanced air filtration, ventilation and purification standards in place in order to open.
“New Yorkers have done an extraordinary job – we flattened the curve in a way that no expert thought was possible,” Cuomo said. “We’ve made the determination that we can safely reopen casinos with enhanced air filtration and strict safety protocols including mandatory masks and social distancing. This is good news and the right next step in our data-driven, phased reopening which is working.”
Casinos must leave six feet of distance between operating machines. No table games will be allowed unless and until casinos put in place physical barriers between players and the Gaming Commission approves those barriers. No beverage or food service will be allowed on the gaming floor.
The State Gaming Commission will be deployed to monitor casinos and ensure strict enforcement of these measures.
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