Lakeside Entertainment Casino is the first to reopen in the state of New York since non-essential businesses closed back in March. The facility is a slot-machine only casino operated by the Cayuga Nation. The tribe says they are exempt from the restrictions set by Governor Andrew Cuomo and have the ability to reopen.
Moving Ahead:
Some parts of the state have been allowed to reopen, but on a limited basis, beginning this past weekend. However, the process created by the state government does not include entertainment venues like casinos.
Casinos in New York are supposed to reopen during the fourth phase, which is the last one for the state. This portion of the plan is months away. No other gaming facilities in New York are reopening at this time, including those operated by other tribal nations.
According to Syracuse.com…
The Cayuga Nation stated they are putting some restrictions in place during the pandemic while they reopen including reducing the number of machines in operation. The casino will only have 31 running instead of the usual 84.
The tribe used the National Indian Gaming Commission guidelines to put additional measures in place, including staff and patrons being required to have their temperature taken when entering the facility. Temperatures of 100.4 degrees or higher will not be allowed inside.
Additional Precautions:?
Masks or some type of face covering must always be worn by those visiting the Lakeside Entertainment casino as well as staff members. A six foot distance among everyone is mandatory. Staff members will make sure that everyone follows this rule.
The slot machines will be sanitized between uses and surfaces will be sanitized on the hour. The facility will also have hand sanitizing stations throughout.
The Cayugas’ federally recognized representative Clint Halftown commented on the reopening process by stating: “We voluntarily closed Lakeside in March, but now is the time to carefully renew operations. We look forward to resuming full operations as soon as we think it is advisable to do so.”