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Massachusetts’ three resort-style casinos have experienced widespread compliance with COVID-19 safety measures, with only a few exceptions. This compliance is highly beneficial for the casinos as they aim to expand their current limited offerings.
Due to the broad agreement on wearing masks and practicing social distancing, casino operators are now actively pursuing the resumption of games such as roulette and craps.
The recent meetings of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) unveiled the adherence of patrons to safety precautions.
The reopening of MGM Springfield, Encore Boston Harbor, and Plainridge Park Casino in early July was made possible by the MGC, which established the necessary guidelines and regulations. These casinos had remained closed since mid-March.
The responsibility now lies with the MGC commissioners to evaluate the feedback they have received in the past few weeks and create a plan to introduce additional games in a timely manner.
Eager to gamble, patrons follow rules
Massachusetts casino enthusiasts were eager to return to their gambling activities, making their desires unmistakably clear.
The strong desire for compliance with the measures implemented by the casinos and MGC commissioners has resulted in almost complete adherence.
During a meeting on July 30, Loretta Lillios, the Chief Enforcement Counsel and Deputy Director of MGC, stated that there have been less than five incidents requiring intervention at the three casinos.
State police officers have been assigned to ensure adherence, but their presence has largely remained unnecessary thus far.
Lillios stated that there was only a “minimal” amount of noncompliance observed after the reopening, with the casinos operating at approximately 25% to 33% of their usual capacities.
In order to promote adherence, the staff at the casino teamed up with law enforcement to request patrons to wear masks correctly and ensure compliance with social distancing measures.
Lillios stated that guests have shown a high level of cooperation overall, resulting in minimal issues regarding health and safety measures.
Other measures include:
- Hand sanitizing stations
- Sanitization of chips
- Temperature scans
- There are plexiglass barriers installed between the slots and blackjack players.
- Only active players are allowed to have drinks.
Massachusetts casinos hope to expand offerings in near future
Both Boston Encore Harbor and MGM Springfield have made efforts to persuade the MGC to permit the inclusion of roulette and craps in their establishments.
Both games were not allowed during the initial reopening phase of the casinos.
Currently, the MGC has imposed a ban on poker. However, casino operators, in their pursuit of permission to resume roulette and craps, appear to have prioritized these games over poker, effectively sacrificing it.
The MGC has scheduled meetings for this month on August 13 and August 27, with one of these meetings expected to determine the fate of the games.
Initially, the games were not allowed by the commissioners due to concerns regarding social distancing.
Casinos will be required to demonstrate to the MGC their ability to operate in a secure manner.
This might involve incorporating seated alternatives and unconventional methods to establish space within a gaming setting that traditionally relied on crowded gatherings of players.
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