Casinos and racinos in New Mexico are reacting to lower Covid-19 numbers in the state by requesting that Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham let them reopen.
They argue that casinos across America have demonstrated that they can operate safely when they adopt protocols recommended by the CDC. Six months closed is long enough, they say.
Tribal casinos in New Mexico have been open for several months.
Although Ruidoso Downs reopened in May without spectators, the state’s casinos have remained in lockdown. Which also hurts horseracing since a share of money they bring in from slots and table games during the racing season is earmarked to benefit that industry.
Racetrack and casino managers of Ruidoso, Sunland Park, Hobbs and Farmington last week wrote Governor Grisham reminding her of the $380 million in taxes their industry contributes to the state while employing more than 17,000 workers.
The letter said, “As we now approach six months of closure, we have access to proven best practices from other jurisdictions that will allow us to operate our businesses safely for the health and wellbeing of our customers and team members, and we are hopeful that we can bring our employees back to work as soon as possible.”
The commercial casinos and tracks have submitted proposed protocols for reopening that they say exceed those recommended by the CDC.
The governor’s spokeswoman Nora Meyers Sackett commented on the fact that tribal casinos are open while commercial casinos remain closed. “Casinos on tribal land have the autonomy to open, though that doesn’t necessarily make opening a safe decision at this time,” she told the Associated Press.
