New Yorkers can start pulling the levers on slot machines at state casinos beginning next week.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Thursday that gambling facilities can start opening as early as Sept. 9 as long as upgraded air filtration systems are in place.
Jake’s 58 in Islandia is expected to reopen that Wednesday.
At all New York casinos, capacity will be capped at 25 percent — guests must wear masks and maintain social distancing.
Table games, beverages and food service are all prohibited for the time being.
This news comes as infection rates remain below 1 percent statewide. As of Thursday, 93,395 tests were administered with 864 positive results.
“New Yorkers have done an extraordinary job — we flattened the curve in a way that no expert thought was possible,” said Cuomo. “We’ve made the determination that we can safely reopen casinos with enhanced air filtration and strict safety protocols including mandatory masks and social distancing. This is good news and the right next step in our data-driven, phased reopening which is working.”
