Addabbo, Chair of Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, thankful for casino capacity expansion and wants to see horse racing tracks included in new reopening guidelines

Governor Cuomo’s announcement on Monday that casinos and other gaming facilities will be able to double their capacity from 25% to 50% starting on Saturday, May 15 means we are on our way back to a sense of normality and economic recovery. I applaud Governor Cuomo’s decision to follow the science and open up the state even further as our COVID-19 numbers continue to decrease and more residents are vaccinated. However, we cannot forget about our horse racing tracks in this decision. Racetracks are in open-air facilities and should absolutely be included in any kind of visitor expansion, just as with our baseball and other outdoor stadiums. I look forward to working with the Governor and his staff on discussing further reopening standards for gaming facilities and our state's racetracks.