A Long Island casino is appealing a decision by the New York State Gaming Commission over allegations that more than two dozen of its employees do not have the required gaming licenses.
Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel, located in Islandia, was fined $26,000 – or $1,000 for each employee the NYSGC said it employs who is in violation of licensing requirements.
According to Newsday, Jake’s 58 is appealing the fine under the explanation that the licensing issues trace back to the previous owner of the gaming property, Delaware North. The current owner of Jake’s 58 is owned by Suffolk Off-Track Betting Corp.
Jake’s 58 found to have employed unlicensed personnel
The NYSGC found that a total of 26 people employed by Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel either did not have a gaming license or were in possession of the incorrect or expired license.
Key employees of casinos are required to have a current license. Such regulations ensure that casinos and gaming facilities have the proper training for their employees, and that the State of New York has vetted each individual.
Jake’s 58 has not been accused of any other violations by the NYSGC.
Apparently, according to Newsday, Jake’s 58 and Suffolk OTB are seeking to hire a person for license compliance. That would be a full-time position, as opposed to a part-time role it previously used for such purposes.
Suffolk OTB: Issues date back to Delaware North ownership
Per NYSGC spokesman Brad Maione, the $26,000 fine has been stayed until the appeal can be heard by the commission. No date has been scheduled for that hearing.
Suffolk OTB is blaming the alleged license violations on Delaware North, also citing it had just been made aware of the problem.
“Though we were only recently notified of any issues, questions date back to when Delaware North ran Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel,” Phil Boyle, CEO of Suffolk OTB, said in a statement.
“It is our intention to address them, resolve them and become a statewide model for other casinos to follow regarding gaming license compliance.”
Suffolk OTB assumed control of the casino in 2021, and the 2023-24 fiscal year was the first full one that the company operated the site as Jake’s 58.
Revenue from Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel was up 26.7% in FY 2023-24 compared to FY 2019-20, the last full year available. Revenue was reported as $277.3 million for fiscal year 2023-24.
Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel features 1,000 video and electronic gaming machines, and is open 365 days a year.
