Governor Andrew Cuomo says there are three factors that make keeping casinos in New York closed essential.
During a conference call on Thursday he defended the decision, pointing out issues connected to density, likelihood of compliance with COVID-19 regulations, and the essential nature of the businesses.
He says people don’t need casinos to survive.
Earlier this week employees and officials voiced frustration with the continued closure of Del Lago Resort & Casino in Tyre, New York.
“A shopping center – people need food, people need clothes, people need home goods,” he said. “You don’t need a casino to maintain survival.”
“I understand people in the casinos need jobs,” he added. “But people in Broadway theaters need jobs. People in movie theaters need jobs. People in casinos need jobs. People in restaurants need jobs. People in bars need jobs. People in bowling alleys need jobs. People in gyms needs jobs. So, it’s the essential nature and then the risk posed by the business.”
Native American-operated casinos in the state have reopened.
More than 1,000 employees at del Lago are jobless at the moment, waiting for word from New York State on when reopening might be possible. Officials at del Lago say they have a plan to safely reopen.
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