Some Shreveport-Bossier City casinos to reopen May 18
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The casinos say they will adhere to guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
SHREVEPORT, La. — Some Shreveport-Bossier City casinos say they will reopen their doors to the public on Monday, May 18.
HORSESHOE CASINO AND HOTEL
According to the Horseshoe Casino and Hotel, they will resume gaming operations at 8 a.m., on Monday, in accordance with directives from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board pending all regulatory approvals.
Management says they have put in place a variety of social distancing measures for the health and safety of casino guests and employees including:
- Casinos will open at 25% capacity
- Slot machine banks are arranged to allow for proper social distancing.
- Limited seating at table games
- Table games will not operate from 1 a.m. - 9 a.m., Mondays - Thursdays
- Hotel at Horseshoe is scheduled to reopen with limited rooms and services available
- 8oz. Burger Bar is scheduled to reopen at 10 a.m., on Monday with strict social distancing protocol in place
HARRAH'S LOUISIANA DOWNS
- Harrah's Louisiana Downs will reopen on Monday at 11 a.m.
- Casinos will open at 25% capacity
- Slot machine banks are arranged to allow for proper social distancing.
- Limited seating at table games
- Table games will not operate from 1 a.m. - 9 a.m., Mondays - Thursdays
- .2020 Thoroughbred Meet will commence Saturday, June 6, with no spectators
The Horseshoe Bossier City and Harrah’s Louisiana Downs will implement Caesars Entertainment's new health and safety protocols, which enhance the company’s existing plans and practices in these areas. The Horseshoe and Harrah’s Louisiana Downs are focused on the well-being of team members, guests and communities, and will create environments with high standards of cleanliness and social distancing practices to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Among the enhanced health and safety protocols are more frequent cleaning and sanitization routines. Employee health checks will be conducted daily, and employees will be required to wear masks, which will be provided by the company. Guests will also be strongly encouraged to wear masks.
For more information and to make a reservation, visit www.caesars.com. Further updates on Caesars Entertainment’s response to COVID-19 can be found here.
MARGARITAVILLE RESORT AND CASINO
Margaritaville says they will reopen Monday, May 18, with limited offerings.
"While we are excited to welcome you back, it is imperative that we create a safe environment for you and our team members," Margaritaville said in a statement. "With this in mind, we have been working closely with the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and state and local leaders to finalize a comprehensive plan for the reopening of Margaritaville Resort and Casino."
Details of those protocols and additional information on the reopening will be made available on their and website in the coming days.
ELDORADO RESORT CASINO
Eldorado Resort Casino will also reopen May 18.
"We are excited that the time has come to open our property Monday, May 18, at 12 p.m.," Eldorado said in a statement. "In an effort to make your return one that you can feel confident in and enjoy, we are taking every precaution to ensure your safety, comfort and peace of mind. We are working closely with public health officials and gaming regulators to take our already stringent safety and cleaning standards to the highest level. We look forward to sharing exciting times and unforgettable experiences with you. Most of all, we look forward to seeing you again."
BOOMTOWN HOTEL & CASINO
Boomtown announced they will reopen on May 20, at 9 a.m.
Per state guidelines, they will be operating at a lower capacity and have fewer games available. In addition, some of their amenities will have reduced hours or will remain closed at this time.
For a full list of reopening details, .
SAM'S TOWN HOTEL & CASINO
Sam's Town says they will reopen on May 27, at 1 p.m.
The casino will be temporarily limited to 25% occupancy in compliance with state directives.
“As we reopen our doors, the health and safety of our customers, our team members and the community will be our highest priority,” said Vince Schwartz, Senior Vice President of Operations for Boyd Gaming. “Throughout our property, we will implement comprehensive safety protocols approved by local, state and federal health officials. We are excited for the opportunity to reopen Sam’s Town, and we look forward to offering our customers an enjoyable – and safe – entertainment experience.”
Upon re-opening, Sam’s Town will practice “Boyd Clean,” a set of comprehensive protocols aimed at protecting the health and safety of its team members and guests.
These protocols, which will be followed at all Boyd Gaming properties nationwide, include:
- Mandatory face coverings and temperature checks for all team members;
- Social distancing requirements and capacity restrictions across all customer and team member areas, including casino floors and restaurants;
- Enhanced cleaning and sanitation of all high-touch surfaces, including door handles, gaming machines, handrails and elevator buttons;
- Increased placement of hand sanitizer dispensers throughout our properties;
- Required training for all team members on our safety protocols.
DIAMONDJACKS CASINO & HOTEL
DiamondJacks has announced they will close their doors permanently due to the impact of COVID-19.
The casino released the regarding their decision:
"Today, DiamondJacks Casino & Hotel announced the facility would not reopen after the state’s mandated closure period concludes, due to business circumstances caused by the unexpected impact of the coronavirus. All casino employees have been notified and are eligible to apply for unemployment benefits, effectively immediately.
“In light of the sudden, unforeseeable market conditions that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic, the difficult decision has been made to close the casino,” said Diana Thornton, Vice President of Finance at DiamondJacks. “We have worked diligently to be a valued member of the Shreveport-Bossier City business community. We are saddened for the loss of a longtime business here in Louisiana.”
Local managers are working on a closure plan, which has included contacting employees, vendors, and other key stakeholders. The team will also decide what to do with the casino’s physical assets. The property will be maintained as closure is completed, though there are no plans for new ownership or additional investments to remain open.
“Even though continuing to operate is not viable from a business standpoint, we have certainly enjoyed being a part of the community and appreciate the loyalty of both guests and team members,” said Thornton. “We are thankful for the support everyone has provided us and will do what we can to ensure those impacted transition to new career opportunities.”
CHOCTAW CASINOS & RESORTS
All Choctaw Casino locations in Oklahoma have set June 1, as their target date for reopening.
"We are developing a comprehensive health and safety plan to prepare for reopening and to ensure the health and safety of all guests and associates," the company said. "Operations and amenities will be limited at first with more details to come."
WINSTAR WORLD CASINO AND RESORT
WinStar in Thackerville, Oklahoma, says their temporary closure has been extended until May 29.
"We continue to monitor closely the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and will post updates regarding our reopening plans to our website and social media," the company said in a social media statement.
CBS19 will continue to monitor the casinos decisions and will update this article as more information becomes available.
