After being closed in bid to control the spread of COVID-19, several commercial and tribal casinos are slowly opening up for business. These properties are only opening in accordance with the lifting of restrictions by local authorities, all the while abiding with new novel coronavirus rules. These include social distancing, operating at limited capacity and tougher hygiene.
Churchill Downs to Reopen Mississippi Properties
According to Churchill Downs Incorporated, its Harlow’s Casino Resort & Spa and its Riverwalk Casino Hotel properties, both located in Mississippi, will reopen this week.
The company has already opened 12 off-track betting locations in Louisiana. Live horse racing events – without spectators – resumed in Kentucky at its home track.
CDI has adopted a new set of practices known as CDI 360 Degree Approach to Safety which it will apply to all its properties.
Measures include:
- More frequent cleaning and sanitizing of the casinos’ surfaces
- Mandatory body temperature checks of anyone entering the buildings, including staff and guests
- Plexiglass dividers in areas where there is high traffic
“Our teams have worked diligently to develop and implement new health and safety protocols that meet and exceed the requirements of each jurisdiction to protect our guests, our team members and our communities,” said the CE of CDI, Bill Carstanjen.
Tribal Casinos to Reopen
Two tribes that run casinos on their reservations in Connecticut will also reopen at the beginning of June. The Mashantucket Pequot and the Mohegan Tribe will collaborate by establish new safety protocols for their properties – Foxwoods Resort Casino and the Mohegan Sun.
“We’re proud to partner with the Mohegan Tribe to ensure we develop the most responsible plan for helping the state of Connecticut recover swiftly and safely from the crippling economic impact of this pandemic,” said Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation chairman Rodney Butler. “Like many casinos successfully reopening around the US, we are implementing industry best practices to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.”
