Casino gambling will return to the Atlantic City Boardwalk in time for the 4th of July holiday weekend. However, the opening will be limited. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy stated that casinos can reopen on Thursday, July 2. Capacity limits have been set at 25 percent. This means that Borgata Hotel, Casino and Spa can accommodate up to 2,547 guests at one time on its casino floor. The entire capacity of the biggest casino in town (gaming revenue) is more than 10,000 patrons.
The New Jersey governor also mandated the use of masks for all casino workers and guests. The full list of health and safety protocols is still a work in progress. They are expected to be released in their entirety in time for the reopening date. Patrons should expect to find additional precautions against the spread of the coronavirus.
Casinos in other parts of the country such as Las Vegas are employing various safety precautions. Clear partitions between players and dealers at gaming tables is one example. Disabling every other slot machine in a casino slot lounge is another practice. The goal is to use social distancing as another form of protection. Masks are becoming mandatory in many states. This covers any indoor public space.
Caesars Atlantic City’s casino floor has one of the biggest capacities in town at 12,987 patrons. Using the 25 percent rule, this gaming venue can accommodate 3,346 guests at one time. There was no mention of how this will be monitored. Headcounts at limited casino entrances are expected to be put into place.
There was also no mention if a guest’s temperature will be checked. Checking temperatures is a mandatory health protocol in Las Vegas. That would make it highly likely that AC casinos will do so as well.
Caesars Entertainment has already announced that its three Atlantic City casinos will open their doors at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 3. The Las Vegas-based gaming company operates Bally’s Caesars and Harrah’s in the southern New Jersey coastal town.
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“We are thrilled to welcome back our team members and customers to Bally’s Caesars and Harrah’s Resort. And look forward to creating more memories together. The well-being of our team members and guests is important to us. And we are focused on enhancing our health and safety protocols to provide an enjoyable guest experience that emphasizes social distancing and cleanliness.”
Casino gaming came to Atlantic City in 1978. The recent closure due to the coronavirus will have spanned a total of 106 days.
• Source: How many people will be allowed on casino gaming floors when they reopen? From Pressofatlanticcity.com On June 27, 2020.
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