Croupier behind gambling table in a casino.

Boyd Gaming to reopen Ohio and Indiana casinos

Boyd Gaming is the latest US casino operator to outline reopening plans for its venues.

Boyd Gaming has revealed plans to reopen three of its casinos in Indiana and Ohio following the temporary closure of casino venues due to the coronavirus pandemic.

On Monday 15 June, Boyd will resume operations at its two Indiana venues; Blue Chip Casino Hotel and Spa in Michigan City, and Belterra Casino Resort in Florence. Boyd will then reopen Belterra Park in Cincinnati, Ohio on Friday 19 June.

When Boyd reopens these venues, 24 of its 29 US casino facilities will have reopened.

States ease lockdown restrictions

Casinos in the state of Indiana temporarily closed their doors on 16 March, due to health concerns presented by the coronavirus pandemic. Indiana has now begun the process of easing its lockdown restrictions and is working with the governor’s Roadmap to Safely Reopen Indiana.

According to the roadmap, casinos in the state will be allowed to reopen on 15 June from 6 am.

In Ohio, Belterra Park Cincinnati temporarily closed on 13 March after the state’s Governor Mike DeWine issued an order banning gathering of more than 100 people. Live racing at the venue resumed on 4 June, but spectators are still not allowed to attend the races.

Last week, Ohio’s regulator announced that casinos would be allowed to reopen from 19 June, albeit with strict measures to ensure the safety of customers and staff. Casinos in the state must operate at a limited capacity of 50%, while employees will always be required to maintain a distance of six feet from others.

Boyd’s reopening protocols

Boyd has also released a list of health and safety protocols it will implement at the casinos it reopens.

Facemasks will be mandatory for employees, as well as temperature check and additional training. Boyd will also introduce enhanced cleaning protocols, social distancing measures and restrictions on capacity.

Upon reopening not all amenities will be available. Some attractions such as poker tables and live events will still be prohibited due to the challenges of implementing social distancing measures in these spaces.

Chris Corrado, Belterra Park’s vice president and general manager, said: “Protecting the health and safety of our guests, team members and the community will be our top priority as we get ready to reopen Belterra Park Cincinnati.

“To maintain a safe environment, we will implement ‘Boyd Clean,’ a set of comprehensive health and safety protocols that fully meet the most stringent standards set forth by federal, state and local health officials. We are excited to reopen and look forward to welcoming back our customers on June 19.”

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