Casinos and video poker facilities are waiting until Monday to welcome gamblers back. But Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones is not sure if every casino will reopen. Jones says getting workers to return might be a challenge.
“Some employees might not want to come back due to health reasons, the threat to their own health. Some may not want to come back because they are making more money with the employment supplement right now.”
Louisiana has 20 casinos and nearly 200 video poker facilities. Each property will be required to limit occupancy to 25% and only 25% of the gaming positions can be in operation.
Jones says every property also must submit reopening plans to State Police that contain specific measures on how they will prevent the spread of coronavirus.
“It’s the patron screening, the protection, the social distancing, health safety and sanitation, capacity limits on percentage of gaming devices, and patrons on the floor,” said Jones
Patrons should expect temperature checks, be prepared to answer a series of health questions, and wear a mask while on the property. The casino will also have masks on hand and social distancing is a requirement on the gaming floor.
Jones says casino operators are not sure if a lot of their players are ready to return.
“The demographics of people who play slots by in large they’re my age, they’re an older generation. We are also a generation that’s suspectable more to the virus. So, we do not know if they are going to come back right away. They might wait awhile,” said Jones.
Casinos and Video Poker parlors will remain closed in Orleans Parish as Mayor LaToya Cantrell is keeping those facilities under the city’s guidelines for reopening.
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