Following the 10pm closing time imposed on New York bars, gyms and restaurants last week, del Lago Resort & Casino has furloughed 50 employees.

The property has reduced its hours of operation, according to the Auburn Citizen, as casinos licensed by the State Liquor Authority must also comply with Governor Andrew Cuomo’s curfew.

The restrictions ensure all leisure properties in New York close at 10pm, with the state looking to balance the need for economic viability with the prevention of the spread of COVID-19.

New York casinos reopened on 9 September after a six-month shutdown, although they were only permitted to 25% occupancy.

Lance Young, EVP and general manager of del Lago Resort & Casino, said: "Due to our limited operations schedule, we have made the difficult decision to furlough 50 employees.”

Clearly, the fate of casinos in different US states is rather varied right now. In Las Vegas, for example, the new Resorts World property opening next summer is looking to hire 6,000 new workers.

On the opposite end of the scale, however, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has ordered a temporary shutdown of all casinos in the Prairie State – in a bid to curb the recent spike in coronavirus cases.