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MONTICELLO, NY — New York state’s largest casino — Resorts World Catskills — has shut down for at least two weeks due to concerns over the COVID 19 coronavirus.
Rivers Casino Resort in downtown Schenectady has also “suspended operations” due the virus Its also closed its adjacent lodging, the Landing Hotel.
Other casinos in the state appear to be operating, but are limiting the number of patrons to comply witha statewide crowd control order.
Resorts World Catskills, located just outside Monticello in Sullivan County, closed to the public as of 9 a.m. this morning. The casino’s parent company also shut down its sister location, Resorts World Casino New York City.
“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,” a Resorts World spokesman said in an email. “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.”
A Rivers statement reads: “Although there have been 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.”
Employees at both casinos will be paid during the shutdown.
Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona is open, but is limiting the number of guests. The casino is also configuring its gaming floor to allow for “social distancing,” or the separation of patrons from one another.
At del Lago Resort Casino near Waterloo in the Finger Lakes, the latest information, posted Saturday, is that the property and all its dining outlets remain open. But del Lago, like venues across the state, is limiting the number of people inside.
It is restricting the number allowed on the gaming floor to 500, and limiting those allowed inside the dining outlets to 50% of maximum occupancy. It has also cancelled all performances at its Vine showroom though at least the end of March.
Casinos, like bars, restaurants and similar venues across the state, must comply with the crowd limit order issued by Gov. Andrew Cuomo last week. It bans gatherings larger than 500 people, and requires smaller venues to adhere to the 50% of occupancy limit.
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