Illinois Casinos Reopen Today With Certain Restrictions
Illinois casinos and gaming have been suspended since March 16th, but now that we're in Phase-4 reopening, the Gaming Board is going to give it a try.
Taking what's being called a "very cautious approach," 10 Illinois casinos are opening their doors to patrons, but there are some big differences to the way things were done before the pandemic.
Each facility was required to send an individual plan in order to reopen, including occupancy limits, social distancing guidelines, and more. Capacity will be limited to no more than 50%, seating will be reduced at gaming tables and there will be fewer slot machines under the new regulations. Face coverings and health screenings are required for all employees and guests, but buffets and valet parking are two of the previous offerings that are not allowed to resume operations.
Several other previous casino features that are not being allowed for the time being include poker rooms, table game tournaments, and promotions that require patrons to cluster and/or that cannot be conducted in compliance with current 6 foot social distancing requirements.
More on the rules and restrictions involving casinos here in Illinois can be found at the Illinois Gaming Board's website.