In his most recent update to the plan titled West Virginia Strong – The Comeback, Governor Jim Justice revealed the state’s guidelines for the safe reopening of casinos. As per the schedule, West Virginia casinos will be ready to welcome guests back through their doors on June 5.
In the Mountain State and across the nation, numerous businesses have already commenced their reopening process.
Due to the closure of retail casinos for more than two months, the state’s sports betting revenue has been severely impacted. Unfortunately, West Virginia still lacks mobile casino apps, resulting in zero profits from casino gambling for the state budget during this period.
Fortunately, the online sports betting apps in West Virginia have remained accessible during the hiatus. Numerous sports are gradually resuming, and many prominent leagues are formulating their strategies.
On Tuesday, the NHL made its latest announcement regarding the proposed plan to conclude its season.
The reopening of casinos in WV is crucial for retail sportsbooks as well. As only Hollywood Casino and The Greenbrier possess mobile licenses, the remaining three operators have been unable to accept any wagers.
In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is essential for both guests and employees to take necessary precautions as every casino in the state resumes operations.
Justice’s for casinos enforces regulations for guests and employees in order to maintain public safety.
In this analysis, we will examine the reopening strategies of casinos and shed light on the anticipated experiences for gamblers returning to these establishments.
Safely reopening WV casinos
All casinos within the state are required to adhere to the state’s reopening guidelines, which include offering limited services. While casinos have the option to resume operations, it is not mandatory for them to do so.
In addition to the provided guidelines, individual establishments have the freedom to implement their own set of rules.
There has been a significant alteration in terms of the number of customers permitted inside the casino. Recent regulations enforce a limitation on the maximum occupancy, now allowing only 50% of the usual capacity.
In addition to restricting the number of guests, individuals inside casinos are required to maintain social distancing. Visitors are expected to keep a minimum distance of six feet from each other and adhere to signage instructions to avoid any unnecessary interactions.
The impact of the changes will be felt in all areas of the casino floor, including:
- Slots
- Poker
- Table games
Players will be seated and gaming layouts will be modified to ensure a minimum distance of six feet between them. Additionally, physical barriers may be implemented to further minimize contact between guests.
To promote better social distancing, certain games can be easily switched off.
The number of gamblers allowed at each table will be decreased for all table games. Casinos may utilize a combination of plexiglass and plastic shields to create a barrier between players and dealers.
Different casinos may have different policies, but it is also possible that certain table games might not be immediately accessible. Games such as poker and hold’em, which require physical contact with the cards, may be restricted for customers.
After each customer’s use, both dice and chips will undergo cleaning. Additionally, unoccupied tables should be utilized to facilitate the rotation of chips, enabling more opportunities for cleaning.
WV Casino Safety
The Justice administration has implemented various safety and cleaning protocols. According to the guidelines, staff members are required to consistently clean video lottery machines.
Additionally, it is stated that casino patrons may be requested to sanitize specific surfaces following their use. This includes table game railings and chairs, which are among the other areas of focus that should be thoroughly cleaned after every customer.
We strongly encourage customers to opt for non-cash payments whenever feasible. In addition, there are several other areas referred to as “touch points” that require frequent cleaning and sanitization. These areas encompass:
- Point of sale equipment
- Doorknobs
- Light switches
- Buttons
- Chips
- Dice
- Table surfaces
- Redemption units
Guests and employees will have limited access to other common areas, which may be closed.
While it is expected that guidelines will ensure everyone maintains an appropriate distance, both casino workers and customers are advised to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) whenever necessary.
You may be asked to remove your facemask only when you first enter the casino, as security checks may necessitate confirming your identity by presenting a government-issued ID, which requires showing your face.
Casinos are committed to informing and educating visitors about the best practices related to COVID-19 by prominently displaying health policy signs and providing specific CDC documentation.
In the event of an individual displaying symptoms within the facility, it is imperative for the casino to establish a well-prepared plan to collaborate with local health authorities as and when required.
WV casino worker and employee protections
Ensuring casinos maintain cleanliness is of utmost importance in creating a safe environment. However, the most crucial aspect lies in thoroughly screening all individuals entering the premises, including both customers and employees. This screening process will involve checking for any symptoms of the coronavirus.
In addition to conducting temperature checks, individuals seeking entry to the casino will be required to answer the following questions:
- Did you have close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19?
- Do you have a cough, sore throat, or difficulty breathing?
- Did you experience a fever within the past 48 hours?
- Are you experiencing a recent loss of taste or smell?
- Did you experience any vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours?
As much as possible, touchless entry will be preferred, resulting in limited entrances to a single door. Additionally, doors and windows will be kept open whenever feasible to promote better ventilation.
Sanitizing stations should also be provided at entry points.
As previously stated, certain casinos may require guests to clean gaming equipment before and after each use. The necessary cleaning materials will be provided.
In addition, wipes and gloves will have dedicated trash receptacles for proper disposal. Moreover, all beverages served within the casino premises will be served in their original containers or disposable cups.
Regarding staff requirements, it is essential for all workers to adhere to the usage of appropriate protective gear, such as face masks. Additionally, each employee will be provided with training regarding the CDC guidelines pertaining to personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as safe practices while engaging in gaming activities.
With the establishment of the guidelines and the finalization of a date, the remaining task at hand is to proceed with rehiring and training the employees. This is a substantial undertaking, especially considering that the first opening is less than a week away.
Undoubtedly, the casinos have been preparing for this moment for months, as the significant motivator of loss of revenue looms.
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