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ALBANY – Resorts World closed its two massive casinos in New York on Monday after New York City as the state has limited large gathering places, and Rivers Casino in Schenectady also closed.
Resorts World, owned by the Malaysian-based casino giant Genting, announced it shuttered its sprawling facility at Aqueduct Race Track in Queens and its $1 billion resort in the Catskills.
“After careful deliberation with New York State officials and our partners at the New York Hotel Trades Council, we have decided to — for the health and safety of our workforce, patrons and community — temporarily close Resorts World Casino New York City and Resorts World Catskills,” the company said in a statement.
Resorts World said it would close for at least two weeks, and “we are committed to paying our full-time employees during this period.”
“We will continue to closely monitor developments regarding COVID-19 and follow additional guidance from New York State. We look forward to announcing when we can welcome patrons back to Resorts World,” the statement continued.
The decision comes after Empire City Casino in Yonkersclosed on Saturdayand after New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio on Sunday nightclosed all nightclubs, theaters and concert venues.
The city will also limit its restaurants, bars and cafes to take-out and delivery only by Tuesday morning.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo, meanwhile, has banned all gatherings of more than 500 people and ordered events under 500 to cut their occupancy in half.
Rivers Casino said it is closing for 14 days, despite no known cases of COVID-19 at the property.
“We are suspending operations out of an abundance of caution and to promote the social distancing recommended by health officials,” the company said in a statement.
“We will continue normal payroll for team members during the 14-day suspension.”
