Gov. Ned Lamont
Photo: Matthew Brown / Hearst Connecticut Media
Photo: Matthew Brown / Hearst Connecticut Media
Lamont, Cuomo vow to persuade casinos to close
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As the governors of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey jointly ordered a broad shutdown of non-essential businesses starting at 8 p.m. Monday, Gov. Ned Lamont had the first question: “What are we going to do about our tribal casinos?”
Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun have remained open, though with modified practices. The states cannot force them to close, as they are sovereign nations.
“We are urging the tribes in the strongest possible way, they should be shutting down with us,” Lamont said on a joint conference call with the other two governors.
“Amen,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “Everyone is in the same situation here and I think the tribal casinos will the right thing.”
Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun did not immediately respond to emails and calls seeking comment on their plans.
“We continue to operate our casino resort as usual, but with some important changes to further protect our employees and guests,” Mohegan said posted on its website.
That includes stepped-up cleaning and hand sanitizer stations, the Mohegan Sun website said.
As for large events at its arena and other venues, Mohegan Sun said, “We are continuing to monitor developments and make decisions to reschedule events on a per event basis. The situation is fluid and is impossible to predict how the virus might spread so please check back as your event gets closer for the current status.”
Lamont, on the call, referred to the “good legal relationship” the state has with the casinos. Since he took office in January, 2019, Lamont has been trying without success to negotiate a deal with the casinos under which they share rights to sports betting and online gaming with other companies.