MGM Resorts has outlined its reopening plans for its casinos in Mississippi next week. Venues had been forced to temporarily close due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Tulica’s Gold Strike Casino Resort intends to welcome the public again from Monday, with the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi following suit on June 1st.
Prior to beginning its reopening process, MGM will hold an invitation-only weekend in Mississippi this Saturday and Sunday.
To comply with the Mississippi Gaming Commission’s new guidelines, venues will be limited to 50% of their usual capacity.
MGM excited for Mississippi return
All land-based casinos in Mississippi had been shut since March 16th, in an effort to slow down the spread of COVID-19. Statewide lockdown rules slowly started to be eased earlier this month.
When MGM’s casinos open, table games and slot machine operations will be tweaked to keep social distancing in force.
MGM Resorts Acting President and Chief Executive shared his thoughts on reopening in the Magnolia State. These were as follows.
“Our hearts are with everyone in our communities, and around the world, who has been personally impacted by this crisis.
“As we plan to reopen our resorts, the health and safety of our guests and employees guide all of our decision-making.
“Getting many of our employees back to work and welcoming guests through our doors once again will allow us to do what we do best – entertain. We can’t wait.”
Other casinos in Mississippi (and beyond) could reopen soon
Mississippi has reported 11,704 COVID-19 cases at the time of writing on May 20th, resulting in 554 deaths.
Boyd Gaming, like MGM, has set out plans to resume its land-based operations in the Hospitality State. The operator is hoping to open both the IP Casino Resort Spa and Sam’s Town Hall and Gambling Hotel tomorrow (May 21st).
In neighboring Louisiana, Boyd is also hoping to welcome players again in the near future. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards has lifted restrictions that kept casinos closed for the last couple of months. The operator hopes to return to action in the Creole State next week.
Further afield, Caesars Entertainment has outlined plans to adopt a phased reopening approach for its venues in New Jersey, Nevada and Iowa. However, it will only do this once it has been granted approval to do so from government or tribal bodies.
MGM introducing its own additional safety measures
Last week, MGM announced the introduction of a seven-point safety plan. This will cover all of its US casinos when they reopen. Prior to gaining entry to venues, everybody is to have their temperatures checked.
When at work, all casino staff will be obliged to wear masks. For those in areas such as food, additional protection will be provided.
Also provided will be access to medical treatment if somebody tests positive for coronavirus. All individuals they have had close contact with will be informed, where possible.
Social distancing is to be enforced, with all guests having to stay six feet apart from each other where it’s practical to do so. In busy areas of the premises, ready hand washing and sanitizing access is to be made available.
A rigorous cleaning routine will also be adopted, while both signs and glass barriers will make sure that social distancing is properly carried out. Technology will be utilized to limit physical contact, while other measures are also set to come into force.