Encore Boston Harbor Casino Reopens July 12, Adopts New Restrictions

Published: 06/07/2020

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The Massachusetts Gaming Commission released the new guidelines for the reopening of casinos, which closed after the government ruled restrictions to curb the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus. Casinos in the state remained shut down since mid-March. Encore Boston Harbor Casino will resume operations starting July 12, adopting the gambling regulator’s new guidelines.

The state reopens its casinos despite the continuous threat of the novel coronavirus. Globally, there are more than 11,000,000 cases on the deadly disease, with death reaching more than half a million. In the US, nearly 300,000 got infected with more than 130,000 deaths. The fatal virus continues its rapid spread all over the country in the absence of vaccination and cure.

Casinos in many states have started accepting back clients since late-May. Tribal casinos were the first to open doors to patrons. Nevada casinos resumed operation in the first week of June. The reopening of the casinos in many states was successful.

Casino operators saw hope for recovery as people surge in their hotels and gambling facilities.

Encore Boston Harbor Casino reopens as the state reaches 3rd Phase of reopening

Governor Charlie Baker will soon announce the reopening of the casinos as the state enters the third Phase of its reopening. The casinos in the state needed to follow the guidelines drafted by industry and health regulators. Originally, Encore Boston Harbor planned to reopen on June 29 but was delayed by the governor’s reopening plans.

The casinos are required to impose strict health and sanitation protocols as the novel coronavirus continues to infect across the country. The guidelines required operators to shutdown some slot machines to ensure social distancing in the gambling venue. Guests needed to pass a mandatory temperature check before entry.

Wearing face masks is strictly mandated inside the gambling venues. Players in table games were limited to ensure that people are 6 feet apart from each other. A four-meter distance needs to be maintained when Plexiglas separates them.

Seth Stratton, vice president and general counsel at MGM Springfield, said the restrictions on their capacity makes it hard for them to earn enough money to operate the gambling establishment.

New additional rules for casinos as coronavirus cases rise

The vice president said they are seeking feasible ways to resume operations. Three casinos in the state shutdown and furloughed employees for the survival of the company. The regulating body approved the new guidelines for the reopening on Wednesday.

It required the management to provide face masks to patrons during the reopening.

State leaders now saw the necessity to impose stricter measures because of the rapid increase in new cases every day. On Monday, health regulators confirmed 136 new infections, with 11 deaths on Sunday. It was reported that the 5,116 deaths in the state are residents 80 years old and above.

While 1,793 have ages between 70 and 79.

Phase 3 of the reopening plan will allow casinos, gyms, museums, movie theaters, and other businesses to resume, following health guidelines from the state.