Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City delayed its scheduled reopening, within a few minutes of Gov. Phil Murphy's decision to delay indoor dining.

 

Many in New Jersey were excited to hear casinos, even at just 25% capacity, would be reopening just in time for the Fourth of July holiday, but after the governor's announcement Monday delaying the opening of indoor dining, the Borgata has decided to wait it out even more.

VIRUS TRACKER: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut coronavirus cases and deaths 
MORE: LIVE BLOG - Coronavirus updates from the tri-state area and beyond
MORE: New Jersey Coronavirus Dashboard 
FULL COVERAGE: Coronavirus Pandemic

The governor also banned drinking and smoking at Atlantic City’s casinos.

"I think it's a good idea with the mask and no smoking; if you want to smoke, take a walk outside and smoke and keep your social distance,” says Izzy Sorace, of Cape May.

In a statement, MGM Resorts International says, “We respect the governor's decision to postpone the reopening of indoor dining in New Jersey to protect the public. Given this decision, our property Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City will remain closed. Our guests expect a special experience when they come to our property and if we cannot provide that level of hospitality, we feel it best that we remain closed until such time that the governor lets us know it is safe to offer food and beverage. The health and safety of our employees and guests are at the center of all that we do, and we regret that, at this time, we are unable to welcome back the thousands of employees who are anxious to return to work. We look forward to a time when it is safe to welcome everyone back."

“Well, it is your decision, but you have to think about not only about yourself, you have to think about other people too,” says Kurt Schoknecht, of Sea Girt. “So, it's your decision to make that your decision could impact a whole group of other people and I think it's important to remember that as well."

The city last tried a smoking ban in 2008, but scrapped it after just 20 days of plunging casino revenue and disgruntled smokers.

AP wire services helped contribute to this report.