Massachusetts is one of the states that still hasn’t restarted its land-based casino industry, but that will change later this month, as the properties are now cleared to reopen. However, to do so, all casinos have to follow significant restrictions that will be imposed by state regulators.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) voted that gaming operations be suspended back in the middle of March. Casinos will be permitted to open their doors starting July 6. Every property must first submit a plan that will be in accordance with the health and safety precautions mandated by the state.
First of all, casinos will have to separate slots on the gaming floor, so that they are all at least six feet apart from each other. Another option is to install plexiglass dividers, which will be at least six feet tall and will have to be installed between slots.
Those interested in taking part in blackjack will also have to accept that there will be plexiglass dividers between players and between players and the dealer. Also, no more than three people per table will be allowed.
If you’re a fan of other table games in casinos, such as poker, craps, and roulette, you will still not be able to take part in those, as the MGC still hasn’t issued a permit for them to operate.
Also, casinos will have to work at a limited capacity. They will be allowed to operate at 25% of their normal capacity.
Mandatory Face Masks for Visitors and Staff
The MGC isn’t leaving anything up to chance, and that’s why everyone inside casinos will be required to wear face masks. Guests who did not bring their own masks will have an opportunity to get one for free before entering the casino.
Beverages will be allowed inside casinos, but only seated customers will be able to get one. They will have to be “actively engaged in gambling” to qualify for a drink. This will restrict guests from carrying their beverages around the gaming floor.
The first casino to reopen in the state will be Penn National Gaming’s Plainridge Park Casino, a slots-only venue. It will reopen its doors to visitors on July 8. After that, Encore Boston Harbor will start operating once again on July 12, and MGM Springfield will join them on July 13.
The casino industry in the US is slowly reopening, with measures being taken to ensure that the spread of the COVID-19 disease is as minimal as possible. In Nevada, casinos are already operating, and properties in Atlantic City are beginning to return to life after a shutdown that lasted months. However, it will take a long time before casinos are allowed to operate at full capacity.
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