Cuomo says non-Indian casinos can reopen Sept. 9

(Updated at 11:57 p.m., 9/3/20)

Non-Indian casinos and video lottery terminal facilities will be allowed to reopen starting Sept. 9 with a 25 percent occupancy limit, the state announced Thursday.

Vernon Downs Casino Hotel in Vernon, Tioga Downs Casino Resort in Nichols in Tioga County, and del Lago Resort & Casino in Tyre in Seneca County are among the non-Indian facilities that can finally reopen for business after being shut since March 16.

The state’s green light comes after the Oneida Indian Nation’s casinos have been reopened for nearly three months. 

All venues that choose to reopen will be subject to “strict” safety protocols, the office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a Thursday news release.

The protocols include enforcement of face coverings except when eating or drinking, social distancing, additional staff to control occupancy and traffic flow, 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, Cuomo’s office said.  

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 is permitted on the gaming floor. The New York State Gaming Commission will deploy staff to monitor casinos and ensure strict enforcement of these measures.