With protocols, del Lago extends hours

WATERLOO--The del Lago Resort and Casino has announced extended operating hours starting April 5, following the executive order from the state and the gaming commission.
The casino will be open Sundays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 a.m.
"We are grateful for this decision by New York state and the New York State Gaming Commission - and know our guests are as well," stated Lance Young, executive vice president and general manager of del Lago Resort and Casino. "This extension allows our guests the opportunity to stay and play longer at del Lago - and brings us another step closer to operating business as usual."
Young said the Waterloo property has undertaken a number of safety protocols for guests and employees of the casino and resort in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He outlined a number of the procedures for the various entertainment and food service areas.
At the casino, they feature the extra care program. When a person comes through the door, their temperature is checked. They also scan the person's ID for contact tracing purposes. Young said all the casino machines are spaced six feet apart or separated by plexiglass barriers. They have also installed plexiglass at all of the table games. Hand sanitizers are located throughout the property. The casino has their cleaning staff disinfect each machine after a guest leaves the playing area.
Young said the casino is operating at the state-specified 25 percent capacity level.
The casino executive added the restaurants are now operating at 75 percent capacity. Young said the food areas maintain six feet social distancing procedures. He said the previous buffet area is not open since the state mandates don't allow a traditional buffet operation. However, Young said in early April they will be moving to a new food service concept where guests can choose their favorite foods in the dining area and then one of their staffers will plate the various food choices.
Young said the sportsbook gaming area has been one of the brightest spots since they have reopened, saying, "Actually the sportsbook numbers have been up about 20 percent year over year." Young stated he believes the atmosphere at the venue and the trust people have with DraftKings are factors to success.
At the hotel, they are currently not doing traditional valet car service. For now, it is self-park. Inside the hotel, a guest will find plexiglass at the public check-in areas. When a guest gets to their room, they find a safety seal outside on the door. Young said this way a guest knows the room has been disinfected and sanitized with their increased cleaning protocols.
Young added for entertainment, the casino and resort have a number of acts rescheduled for late summer and fall and he is planning to have a full line-up for the end of the year.
The hours effective April 5 include:
• Casino hours: Sunday to Thursday 8 a.m. - 2 a.m., Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. - 4 a.m.
• Table games: Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. - 2 a.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 a.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. - 2 a.m.
• Sportsbook betting window: Monday to Friday 10 a.m. - 11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.
• Sportsbook betting kiosks: Sunday to Thursday 8 a.m. - 2 a.m., Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. - 4 a.m.