Tioga Downs Casino Resort in Nichols in Tioga County, Vernon Downs Casino Hotel in Vernon, and Del Lago Resort & Casino in Tyre in Seneca County have opened their doors to customers.
They’re among the non-Indian casinos and video-lottery terminal facilities that got the green light to reopen Wednesday with a 25 percent occupancy limit.
A number of competitors of the state-approved casinos are already open. The Oneida Indian Nation’s Turning Stone, Point Place, and Yellow Brick Road casinos reopened on June 10 and the Seneca Nation also reopened its Western New York casinos and other gaming halls in June.
State approval
All venues that reopened are subject to “strict” safety protocols, the office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. 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 be deployed to monitor casinos and ensure strict enforcement of these measures.
Tioga Downs operations
Tioga Downs announced that “initially,” the casino will operate about 350 slots and the poker room, tables games, and simulcast will remain closed until further notice.
The FanDuel Sportsbook, Coasters Sports Bar, Java G’s Café and P.J. Clarke’s Restaurant will open at Tioga Downs and will operate under New York State guidelines. The hotel at Tioga Downs Casino Resort will reopen on Friday and is taking reservations as of Wednesday.