Louisiana’s only land-based casino Harrah’s New Orleans is scheduled to reopen on June 13 at 10 am. The casino will reopen with limited capacity like many of its peers across the US.

City moves to phase 2 of reopening

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said earlier this week that the city will move into Phase 2 of her reopening plan this weekend. On Saturday, all gaming establishments will be allowed to reopen but only with 25% capacity. This will also include the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. Harrah’s New Orleans tweeted to its audience that it would be opening up lodging and dining options alongside table games and slots at the property.

The Big Easy resort, owned by Caesars Entertainment was shut down in mid-March after Governor John Bel Edwards and the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) ordered all gaming establishments to shut down. Its peers across the US were also asked to shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic and people were ordered to stay at home and practice social distancing.

The state was hit particularly hard because of the pandemic and the city of New Orleans became also suffered tremendously. The state has reported 44,000 positive COVID-19 test results and 3,000 deaths. The Orleans Parish, which consists of the city of New Orleans reported about 7,279 cases.

How is Harrah’s preparing to reopen?

Harrah’s said that it is reconfiguring its casino spaces to abide by the directives from the LGCB and the city. Slot machines are being rearranged to ensure proper physical distancing. Table games will also come with a reduced number of seats. However, poker will remain suspended. Before the pandemic struck, the casino had 100 table games and 1,500 slot machines.

All employees and guests will have to get mandatory body temperature checks done before they enter the premises. They will also be required to wear face masks supplied by the casino. It is also doubling down on its cleaning and sanitizing protocols.

Harrah’s owner Caesars Entertainment struck a 30-year deal with the city last year which allows it to retain its casino license. However, it must invest at least $325 million in property upgrades in the next 30 years. The first among these upgrades will be a 340-room hotel tower with a new entertainment and restaurant space.