Pennsylvania casinos are set to reopen their doors today (Monday 4 January), following a mandatory three week suspension as governor Tom Wolf and secretary of health Dr Rachel Levine unveiled new COVID protective mitigation efforts last month.
With the Keystone State’s 13 land-based gaming establishments permitted to resume action, strict health and safety protocols remain in place across all properties, including a 50 per cent occupancy mandate.
Those establishments electing to reopen today are Harrah’s Philadelphia, Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, Live! Casino Pittsburgh, Mohegan Sun Pocono, Mount Airy Casino Resort, Parx Casino, Rivers Casino Pittsburgh, The Meadows Racetrack & Casino, Valley Forge Casino Resort, and Wind Creek Bethlehem.
Rivers Casino Philadelphia will also return to action today, after previously being shuttered since November 20, after the city amended its own order that would have initially seen the property remain closed until mid-January.
Tomorrow is the big day! Rest assured that the well-being of our guests and Team Members is always our top priority, and we will be following best practices including: masks, temp. checks & social distancing as well as keeping everything clean and sanitized. See you soon! pic.twitter.com/0Soi6snE9h
— Rivers Casino Philadelphia (@riverscasinophl) January 3, 2021
Presque Isle Downs & Casino has signalled its intention to begin welcoming punters again a day later on Tuesday 5 January, while Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin will reopen on Friday 8 January.
Bill Keena, Rivers Casino Pittsburgh general manager, said of the impending return to action: “We especially want to thank our team members, guests and the Pittsburgh community for their support throughout 2020.
“We have every reason to expect 2021 will be a better year, and by continuing our focus on safety, we’re looking forward to a healthy, Happy New Year for all.”
According to the American Gaming Association, Pennsylvania casinos support 33,171 jobs, boast an annual economic impact of $6.3bn, and generate $2.5m per year in tax.