Saratoga Casino Hotel might see its reopening in the foreseeable future, as local officials have shown their support for its operation. The City of Saratoga Springs and the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors recently passed two resolutions making it clear that the gaming and accommodation hotspot should relaunch operation following months of lockdown.
Ever since mid-March, the region has seen no gaming operation in order to protect both casino patrons and the staff members taking care of it all on the casino floor. The lockdown brought a temporary suspension of in-person gaming in the area, as this promoted physical distancing and make sure that players are safe. Nearly half a year later, Saratoga Casino Hotel remains closed.
Safe Reopening
Saratoga Springs, New York is renowned for its premium gaming hotspot which also offers more family-friendly offerings such as premium accommodation at the hotel venue. Over the past five months, Saratoga Casino Hotel has remained closed but now it is on the verge of reopening. The two resolutions passed recently were discussed at two separate meetings involving the City of Saratoga Springs and the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors.
The pros and cons of the reopening have been thoroughly evaluated and both parties made it clear that the casino hotel will have to reopen in the foreseeable future. The casino and hospitality complex has been working on its reopening plan for several months now. Safe reopening is mandatory for its management. The plan itself goes by the name of “Safe Bet” and it aims to make it easier for all parties involved.
The casino venue and the entire complex are going to be well-equipped for their daily operation with MERV 13 air filters, along with plexiglass screens where physical distancing would not be possible. The overall number of switched-on slot machines is going to be reduced to 50 percent, creating distance between the players engaging in this gaming activity.
New Program
Saratoga Casino Hotel is going to place special floor guides across the casino floor, in order to promote distance between the people and prevent clusters of them. Players will also have to wear face masks at all times while gambling and being on the premises of the casino venue and the hotel area. Individuals should also be prepared for a temperature check upon entering Saratoga Casino Hotel.
For this to happen, the New York Government should also give its nod of approval and allow commercial casinos and racinos to relaunch their regular operation. However, for the time being, that timeline remains unknown. Saratoga County Supervisor Matt Veitch stated that the “Safe Bet” plan has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated, and the projections for it are positive. It could be put to work as soon as the state gives its permission.
Governor Andrew Cuomo pointed out that casino venues are not considered an essential business and they will have to remain closed for the time being. A reopening date has not been pinpointed. This statement outraged the casino staff members that have been laid off for months and they took to the streets.