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The three casinos in Massachusetts have successfully managed their initial reopening phase, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors.
The reopening of casinos brings positive benefits to casino operators, patrons, employees, and local economies.
However, these also have significant drawbacks such as capacity limitations of approximately 25% and the requirement to constantly monitor the fluctuating pandemic situation.
New-look casinos welcome masked patrons
Earlier this month, Gov. Charlie Baker’s approval paved the way for casinos to proceed with their reopening as Massachusetts transitioned to phase three of its return plan.
The strict reopening guidelines for casinos had already been implemented by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission at that time.
Currently, both Encore Boston Harbor and MGM Springfield have implemented mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing protocols for all guests. Prior to entry, employees conduct temperature checks, while hand sanitizer stations and disinfectant wipes are readily available throughout the premises. However, hotel accommodations and dining choices are either unavailable or restricted in their offerings.
Poker, roulette, and craps are temporarily unavailable at the casinos until further notice. Plexiglass dividers have been placed between the slot machines on the premises, and the machines are thoroughly cleaned after every use.
Preventive measures are also being taken at Plainridge Park Casino, which resumed operations on July 8.
The most noticeable change highlighted by the MGC is the 25% capacity.
However, casino officials are delighted to once again welcome guests as they open their doors.
Beth Gibbons, the public relations manager at Encore, informed Play MA that they have been delighted by the influx of visitors to the property following its reopening. She mentioned a consistent flow of customers on the casino floor as well as in their restaurants.
She noted that one of the unique touches is the launching of Encore’s new Lucky Dogs food truck.
Jocelyn Kelly, executive director for regional corporate communications at MGM Resorts International, stated that due to the unprecedented circumstances, they did not set any visitation expectations upon reopening. The main focus is to happily welcome back their employees and guests while ensuring a safe environment.
Reopenings provide boost to local economies, workers
Despite significant limitations and health risks, public officials have enthusiastically embraced the reopenings.
In a statement, Mayor Carlo DeMaria of Everett expressed his excitement about the return of Encore Boston Harbor to the city, highlighting the positive impact it would have on the employment of hundreds of individuals, ensuring a healthy and secure work environment.
According to Gibbons, Encore has rehired approximately 1,700 employees who were recently furloughed. This has increased the casino’s workforce to approximately 2,700, after having more than 4,000 employees prior to the COVID-19 shutdown.
According to Kelly, approximately 700 workers have already resumed their duties at MGM Springfield. The remaining employees will gradually return as more amenities become accessible, depending on the level of demand.
According to CNBC, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno highlighted a significant decline in hotel revenues, meal revenues, and job losses. He stated that approximately 2,500 jobs were lost.
According to Sarno, Springfield and MGM are collaborating to postpone tax payments, despite the fact that the casino contributed over $39 million in city taxes during the previous year.
MGM can find solace in the potential tax delay as it grappled with a significant 29% decline in revenue during the first quarter of 2020 compared to the previous year’s corresponding period.
Casino officials anticipate that the ongoing impact of COVID-19 will greatly affect our business, financial condition, and operational outcomes.
Although it is uncertain whether casinos can generate profits at only 25% capacity, the reopening will aid in minimizing potential future losses.
Gibbons expressed confidence that our resort’s casino, hotel, food and beverage options, along with our exceptional service, will entice guests to come back.
Kelly stated that the current focus is on people rather than profits. The priority is to bring employees back to work and ensure their safety and well-being, as well as that of the guests.
COVID-19 still a concern in Massachusetts
As of now, Massachusetts has managed to steer clear of the recent surge in cases witnessed in the southern and western regions of the United States.
On Tuesday, the public health department of the state recorded 203 fresh cases. In contrast, Florida witnessed a surge of 10,181 new cases on Wednesday, just one day after.
However, health officials in the Bay State are not relaxing.
“An observation that can be made from the premature reopening of certain states in the south and the west is that they opened too soon,” remarked Rep. Jon Santiago, who is also a physician at Boston Medical Center.
“We all anticipate a second surge in Massachusetts, with the real question being the magnitude of that surge.”
Massachusetts casinos have been classified as a public activity with elevated risks by public officials, making them particularly vulnerable to any potential surges that could have a significant impact on their operations.
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