The casino operator Twin River Worldwide Holdings has announced plans to reopen its casinos in the US.
Twin River Worldwide Holdings has announced plans to reopen 90% of its US casino venues by 8 June as US states begin to ease lockdown restrictions.
Towards the end of March, all commercial casinos in the US temporarily closed their doors to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Twin River’s reopening plans
According to Twin River’s announcement, the Dover Downs Hotel and Casino in Dover. Delaware resumed casino operations yesterday (1 June). The Dover Downs venue will operate at 30% capacity, this will allow for about 950 video lottery terminals (VLT) to be in use. Table games and the venue’s hotel will not reopen during the first phase of reopening.
The casino operator’s Rhode Island venues, Twin River Casino Lincoln and Tiverton casinos are set to reopen on 8 June. In Rhode Island, at first only invited guests will be allowed to visit the casinos during the first phase of reopening. During this time, the Lincoln casino will operate 1,570 VLTs while the Tiverton venue will operate 375 VLTs.
Last month, Twin River also resumed operations the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. The venue reopened on 21 May and is operating in accordance with measures and requirements outlined by the Center for Disease Control in order to help slow the spread of the virus.
George Papanier, Twin River’s president and CEO, said: “We are very excited to continue to progress on our reopening plan and with the prospect of having our full portfolio opened by the beginning of July.
“As evidenced by our successful reopening at Hard Rock Biloxi, there is strong market demand for which we are well-positioned as a regional gaming company focused on local and regional visitation. I am thankful and excited to welcome back our valued team members and loyal customers to safe and secure environments that meet or exceed CDC guidance.”
According to the casino operator, the Hard Rock venue in Mississippi saw a 30% year-on-year increase in slots wins during the first 10 days after reopening in May. The operator also noted a 150% rise in table game wins.
Twin River also issued an update on its acquisitions of the Isle of Capri Kansas City in Missouri and Lady Luck Vicksburg in Mississippi from Eldorado Gaming. The operator said it expects both deals to close in early July.
Twin River also has agreements in place to purchase the Eldorado Shreveport Resort and Casino in Louisiana, the Mont Bleu Casino Resort & Spa in Lake Tahoe and Caesars Entertainment’s Bally’s Atlantic City.
Papanier went on to say: “As we continue to reopen our properties, we are also looking forward to closing our previously announced acquisitions to expand our geographic footprint in attractive markets. Along with our recently closed acquisition in Black Hawk, Colorado, the five new properties we now have under contract are expected to drive sustained growth and enhance our already strong free cash flow profile.”
More casinos reopening
Twin River is the latest US casino operator to announce reopening plans following the closure of casinos across the US.
MGM Resorts International has also outlined its plans to reopen casinos in Las Vegas Nevada as the state eases lockdown restrictions. According to the announcement, MGM plans to reopen The Bellagio, New York-New York, The Signature and MGM Grand Las Vegas next week on 4 June. However, amenities at all properties will be limited due to challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic.
Caesars Entertainment revealed plans to reopen its venues in Vegas last month. In its announcement, the casino operator said it will reopen Caesars Palace and Flamingo properties once the state officials give them the green light.
The Cosmopolitan is set to reopen on 4 June, while Wynn Las Vegas, Encore, The Venetian and off-strip casinos operated by Boyd Gaming and Station Casino are set to resume activities in the coming weeks.