Casinos began operating at extended hours Monday.
Food and beverage establishments will continue to operate under the 11:00 p.m. curfew.
“When it comes to COVID, it’s undeniable that the behavior of a community makes the difference, and that means wearing masks, social distancing, and washing hands,” Cuomo said. “Some people will say they’re tired of COVID, the weather’s warm and the death numbers are down, but the community that accepts that philosophy first will have a higher transmission rate. We all understand COVID fatigue, but the pandemic is not over.”
Two New York casinos immediately announced changes to their hours of operation.
del Lago Resort & Casino in Waterloo announced it will be open 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel’s hours are now 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Cuomo’s announcement comes as New York lawmakers work to finalize an overdue state budget that could pave the way for regulated online sports betting. Cuomo said Monday that “we have a conceptual agreement on all issues” including online sports wagering.
Cuomo supports a lottery-run sports betting market app, but the governor has run into resistance with state tribes and members of the legislature.
State Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr., one of New York’s most outspoken sports betting advocates, has proposed 14 online skins for the state’s four commercial casinos and three gaming tribes.
The legislature is under growing pressure to find a resolution to regulated online sports betting in connection with the state budget.
