As global economies begin to plot the path to recovery following mandated COVID-19 shutdowns, a number of further US casinos have begun to detail reopening strategies.
Eldorado Resorts has announced that its Isle of Capri Casino Hotel – Boonville, Isle of Capri Casino – Kansas City and Lumiere Place in Missouri and Isle Casino Hotel – Bettendorf and Isle Casino Hotel – Waterloo in Iowa, have reopened for business this week.
This means that 11 of the operator’s 23 casino entertainment facilities have resumed operations following the suspension in March.
Each of those is to follow the company’s comprehensive list of health and safety protocols which have also been implemented in Louisiana, Mississippi and other gaming markets where it has operations as they reopen
Eldorado is implementing procedures that limit gaming capacity and ensure proper social distancing at its Missouri properties, as well as adhering to regulations imposed by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds that limit gaming capacity to 50 per cent of prior levels with proper social distancing regulations in place.
“With our recent successful property reopenings in Louisiana and Mississippi, we are extremely excited to reopen our doors at five properties in Missouri and Iowa this morning. As we resume operations at our facilities across the country, the health and safety of our team members and guests remains our number one priority,” stated Anthony Carano, president and chief operating officer of Eldorado Resorts.
“We have been working very hard over the last two months to prepare for these reopenings and we look forward to providing the outstanding service and hospitality experiences our casinos in Missouri and Iowa are known for in a safe manner.”
Elite Casino Resorts’ Iowa-based Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort has also detailed its own reopening, with promotions modified to reflect the temporary shutdown procedure previously adhered to.
“Our casino is now open as permitted in Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ May 26th state public health emergency declaration. Our procedures are in accordance with that proclamation and follow guidance issued by the Iowa Department of Public Health, the Department of Inspection and Appeals and the CDC,” the property said in a statement on social media.
Connecticut’s Foxwoods Resort Casino has too reopened and resumed 24/7 operations, doing so as part of an “ongoing commitment” to ensuring a safe environment.
These include the implementation of a robust set of new safety protocols and operating procedures for its reopening plan aimed at mitigating health risks for both guests and employees.
Guests that visit the property during phase one will be able to enjoy the Grand Pequot and Great Cedar casino floors, the Grand Pequot Hotel, The Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods, and select food and beverage venues. Social distancing and partial hotel occupancy will also be implemented.
“We are excited to welcome our guests and team members back to resort today as we reopen our doors for the first since Mid-March,” said Jason Guyot, Foxwoods’ interim CEO & SVP of resort operations.
“Foxwoods is in a unique position, given the size of our physical space and our geographic location, to allow for social distancing within our resort. Additionally, we’ve taken significant guidance from our chief medical officer, Tribal regulators, and the CDC to develop the set of health guidelines we’ve implemented that help create an environment where our guests can experience moments of joy and celebration safely and responsibility.
“We are thrilled to once again contribute to our local community and the State of Connecticut. The health and safety of our loyal guests and team members will remain our top priority – today and every day.”
As Nevada casinos eye their own reopening later this week, under Governor Steve Sisolak’s phase two of the state’s ‘Roadmap to Recovery,’ Arizona Charlie’s Boulder, Arizona Charlie’s Decatur, Lakeside Casino & RV Park, Pahrump Nugget Hotel & Gambling Hall and Sahara have confirmed a June 4 return to action.
Upon reopening, Sahara Las Vegas will follow a comprehensive outline of health and safety protocols under the resort’s Cares program. Under this program, a number of contactless solutions have been developed to assist with social distancing measures including:
- Table game reservations. As an added feature Sahara Las Vegas players may book a seat reservation in advance online through the resort’s website. This service will support small groups of players travelling together to make arrangements to play together at the same live game.
- Pool reservations guests are encouraged to book resort experiences in advance of their stay. Daybed and cabana reservations at both Alexandria Pool and Retro Pool Lounge can be made through online.
- Digital dining To minimise shared materials and reduce waste, menus for Northside Café, Casbar Lounge, Alexandria Pool and Retro Pool Lounge will all be available through a QR code. Located inside each venue, guests can scan the QR code onto their mobile device to access the restaurant or pool’s offerings. Additionally, if there is a wait for a table, restaurant guests will have the convenience of scanning a seating QR code and placing themselves on the waitlist. The resort will be able to contact the guests via mobile device when their seat is ready.
- Virtual concierge In an effort to provide a contactless service option, guests can receive information about Sahara’s amenities by texting a virtual concierge. Additionally, hotel and casino guests may use the virtual concierge to request the services they need to enhance their stay, including housekeeping, maintenance requests, and restaurant reservations or answer general questions they may have regarding the property.
- On-demand sanitation services for players who would like to request additional cleaning of their slot machine, a service button located on the machine may be pressed to call for assistance from an attendant.
