Massachusetts Casino Operators Look forward to Reopening on June 29

Massachusetts Casino Operators Look forward to Reopening on June 29

As casinos in the state plan to reopen on June 29, gaming regulators are weighing in on the health and safety protocols that properties must follow to reduce the risks of coronavirus transmission.

Gaming Commission focusing on protocols

On Thursday, the staff of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission presented the regulator with three different sets if comprehensive minimum guidelines that focus on safety, hygiene, social distance, and reporting measures. The guidelines will be applicable to Encore Boston Harbor and MGM Springfield in Everett and Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville. All three casinos have been closed since March 15 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Massachusetts Casino Operators Look forward to Reopening on June 29

The Investigation and Enforcement Bureau recommends that the commission mandates every gaming property to work with a public health expert or an epidemiologist. They should work together to develop a detailed reopening plan for the property and submit it to the Commission one week before the opening. The plan includes all the steps that it would take to comply with the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. They must also adhere to the guidelines given by Gov. Charlie Baker and the state Department of Public Health.

Decisions pending

The casinos will also have to abide by the guidelines which the commission eventually adopts. However, it hasn’t taken a decision on which guidelines it plans to adopt. However, the commission wants all players to wear masks, in line with governor Baker’s orders. They intend to think more about it and include all possible scenarios, like when a gambler is drinking a beverage.

The commission also has a consensus on every facility making hand sanitizers available at every entrance. However, there is no consensus on casinos mandating the players to use them. Commissioner Bruce Stebbins said that guests must be aware that they could be temperature checked on arrival and may be asked questions about their contact history and symptoms. He said that it could help in easing the number of patrons arriving into the properties and avoid the situation of unnecessary backups.

About sherlock

Sherlock Gomes loves to write and express his views on anything related to Gaming, Gambling, & Casino. He has been covering Gaming for more than two years now.