PITTSBURGH — We’re almost a full week into the yellow phase of reopening the majority of southwestern Pennsylvania, but many industries still have questions.
One of the biggest questions is about the area’s casinos and race tracks.
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The Pennsylvania Gaming Control board said the COVID-19 pandemic has dealt state casinos an unexpected and unprecedented blow over the last few months. They released a 10-page document, including a long list of what will change when doors open again.
For example, everyone – players and staff – must wear masks.
No one with a fever will be permitted inside. Hand sanitizing stations will be at the entrance and throughout the building, and floor markings will assist with six-feet distancing.
They also released specific changes for gambling, with some of the most noticeable guidelines coming at the slot machines.
The control board wants the following changes:
- Plexiglass barriers between slot machines a
- Removing chairs from certain machines
- Disabling some slot machines to create more distance
- Sanitizing wipes next to slots
For table games, they want casinos to:
- Develop new protocol for sanitizing chips on daily basis
- Increase distance between players
- Allow no spectators to stand behind players
- Sanitize equipment frequently
And the poker rooms would not be allowed to open.
Other states opened casinos this week. Louisiana reported long lines and people waiting before the doors opened for the first time in two months.
Rivers Casino officials said they’re working closely with the gaming control board to develop a comprehensive plan to prepare for the eventual reopening. None of these new restrictions can be implemented until the county enters the green phase.
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