The Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs, Arkansas announced this week that it will be reopening its gates on Monday at 9 am. The casino has been closed since March 16.

Plans to reopen

The casino will reopen after an announcement by Gov. Asa Hutchinson last week. The casinos were closed when two area residents tested positive for COVID-19. The casino will follow protocol to ensure that all its guests and staff remain safe. The casino operations will now be limited to only a third of its capacity.

There will only be one entrance for the guests. All employees and guests will have to get their temperatures checked mandatorily before they can gain entrance. Any person who registers a temperature of over 100 degrees or more will not be allowed to enter the premises. Patrons will also have to show their identification. Moreover, the property will make contact tracing necessary.

The property will not allow smoking and all guests and employees will have to wear masks at all times.

What does the casino plan?

According to Wayne Smith, the general manager of Oaklawn, they had a successful spring racing meet. He noted that even though the past six weeks were difficult and they ran without fans, they were able to implement virus-mitigation protocols successfully.

He said,

“We are fully prepared to meet or exceed all recommended health and hygiene protocols. While we understand this timing might not be right for some people, just know we will be ready and safe for you when you are.  The health and safety of our guests and team members are of the utmost importance.”

The casino will remain operational between 9 am and 3 am CT between Sunday and Thursday. On weekends, it will be open between 9 am and 5 am. During the dark hours, the casino will disinfect its property electrostatically.

The gaming floor will also change. A blackjack table will allow only three players and craps tables will hold six players only. Slots and video gaming machines can also be used on alternative stations to ensure social distancing.