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.

Churchill Downs Incorporated has revealed plans to resume operation from today at five of its casino properties in Florida, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Maryland and Ohio.

From today CDI casinos set to reopen include Calder Casino in Miami Gardens, Florida and Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin in Farmington, Pennsylvania. On Saturday, June 13, its Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots in New Orleans, Louisiana will open its doors to guests again with the firm completing its phased reopening with Ocean Downs Casino in Berlin, Maryland and Miami Valley Gaming in Lebanon, Ohio at the end of next week, June 19.

“With these five anticipated property reopenings, CDI will have seven of our ten gaming properties, as well as Derby City Gaming, back in operation across the country,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI.

“We are grateful to our teams who have ensured smooth, safe and successful reopenings over the past month and to our returning guests who have enthusiastically adapted to new protocols.” 

All five casinos will operate under limited capacity, following state and local requirements. The casinos will implement the ‘CDI 360 Degree Approach to Safety,’ which includes social distancing, personal protection and enhanced cleaning.

Alongside the casinos safety approach the company will also implement:

  • Increased frequency of cleaning and sanitising of all high-touch surfaces, including door handles, gaming machines, table games, handrails, and elevator buttons.
  • Mandatory temperature checks of all guests and team members upon entering the building.
  • Installation of plexiglass or polycarbonate dividers in areas of high touch transactions.
  • Increased placement of hand sanitiser dispensers and sanitary wipes throughout our properties.
  • Providing personal protective equipment to team members.
  • Utilising visual aids to assist with measuring social distancing.
  • Capacity restrictions across all customer and team member areas, including casino floors and restaurants.
  • Required training for all team members on our safety protocols.

The Black Bear Casino Resort in Carlton, Minnesota, will begin its first phase of reopening from June 15.

Upon reopening, all guests will undergo a ‘non-invasive’ temperature check and are required to wear a face mask when in public areas. Once reopened, the casino will operate from 10am to 2am seven days a week.

“Black Bear Casino Resort is committed to providing our guests with the safest environment possible. The safety and security of our guests and employees is of utmost importance to us, always,” said a message on the casino’s website.

“We have installed premium efficiency air exchange filters and increased the air exchange rate for our property. Going forward, approximately 35 per cent of our gaming floor will be non-smoking. We ask that guests limit smoking to the approved areas.”

As part of its phased one reopening, table games will remain closed yet its slot machines, beverage stations, players club and gift shop will open.

Three Seminole casinos in Florida will reopen its doors from today, June 12, nearly three months after they were forced to shut due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood, along with Seminole Classic Casino and Seminole Casino Coconut Creek will be implementing new health and safety protocols within its properties.

Guests and employees will be required to undergo temperature checks prior to entering the casinos. Anyone with a temperature above the CDC guidelines of 100.4 degrees will not be allowed entry. 

Alongside this, guests and employees will be required to wear masks or cloth face coverings whilst in the casinos.

According to local10.com, thousands of alternating slot machines will be turned off to help with social distancing with Plexiglas barriers dividing players at table games, poker tables and customer service areas. 

The casino will operate at a 50 per cent reduction in guest capacity throughout the casino complex with employees adding further emphasis on cleaning disinfecting ‘high-touch’ surfaces and common areas.