Massachusetts casino reopenings promise ‘sense of normalcy’ despite restrictions on gambling
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Gaming regulators — facing pushback from the state’s big-name casinos — failed to vote on Wednesday on pandemic-era gambling restrictions that would ban poker, craps and roulette and require plexiglass dividers at card tables and in slots parlors.
“We want to be fair but we obviously need more information if this today presents a real challenge for you with your business model,” Gaming Commission Chairwoman Cathy Judd-Stein told representatives from the state’s three casinos.
MGM Springfield, Encore Boston Harbor in Everett and Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville have all been closed since March 15 and won’t reopen until phase 3 of the governor’s reopening plan — or June 29 at the earliest.
With little guidance available for protecting public health as the gaming industry reopens, regulators are taking cues from casinos in Las Vegas, Connecticut and other states where gambling has already reopened to help determine what restrictions are necessary.
Commissioners are so far airing on the side caution, favoring more conservative restrictions on capacity and gaming and increasing activities over time.
“It will allow our licensees to get in place all of their training and work all the kinks out,” said Karen Wells, interim executive director. “It’s not unlike a grand opening, but these kinks could put people at risk from a health point of view as opposed to service kinks.”
The likely regulations would ban poker, craps and roulette until further notice, and cap blackjack tables at three players. Slot machines will be separated by 4- to 6-feet and will likely have a plexiglass barrier between them. The commission is also weighing occupancy limits.
Guests will be required to wear masks and be prohibited from congregating around slot parlors and card tables. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms will be denied entry. Hand sanitzer will be at the ready and staff will sanitize gaming areas frequently. Casinos will also be asked to limit how often players touch cards and chips.
“We are trying to bring some sense of normalcy,” Commissioner Enrique Zuniga said, noting balancing restrictions to protect public health with business needs would be a “learning experience.”
“We’re going to have to see how it goes,” he said.
