The Illinois Gaming Board recently authorized 10 casinos in the state to reopen on Wednesday. Over 35,000 slot machines are located in the restaurants, truck stops, and elsewhere.

More options for clients

All the facilities mentioned above will be allowed to open at 9 am on Wednesday. The Gaming Board administrator said,

“The Gaming Board worked with the governor’s office, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to develop a gaming resumption process that protects the public health of patrons and employees, while restarting gaming activities in meaningful way.”

The state shut down all gaming activity on March 16 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The shutdown of all nonessential businesses helped in curbing the spread of the virus.

Indiana also reopens its casinos

The Indiana Gaming Commission has also ordered its 13 casinos to reopen, which have been functioning since June 15 after an almost three-month-long shutdown. Illinois has taken a long time to reopen its businesses because of a higher number of coronavirus cases. When the casinos reopen on Wednesday, they will be following almost similar health and safety guidelines that Indiana casinos follow. This would include social distancing rules, improved sanitation requirements, use of face masks, and limited capacity reopening.

Gamblers who play slot machines can also rejoice as bars, restaurants, and other facilities that host these facilities will be allowed. However, they will be required to wear a face mask on the premises. Some of the terminals would also be shut down during this time in order to ensure social distancing.

Fruchter noted that the video and casino gaming sector has been cooperating with the Gaming Board in order to develop some best practices. They aim to create the safest possible environment for gaming which adhere to the latest state and federal health agency guidelines.