A letter concerning the state’s intentions to “open for business” was sent to Governor Jim Justice by Senate members in West Virginia.
A letter was sent to Justice by various Republicans, which included Sen. Mike Maroney and Senate Majority Leader Tom Takubo. They expressed their urging for the state to initiate the process of reopening.
Although many states in the US continue to enforce “stay-at-home” orders, others have initiated the reopening of specific businesses.
Given that the Mountain State has experienced significantly less impact compared to other regions in the country, certain state leaders believe it is now appropriate to initiate action.
Both Maroney and Takubo are physicians who, like many others, are eager for the state to return to normalcy as soon as possible.
According to The Intelligencer, Ryan Weld, Senate Majority Whip, finds himself in a similar situation.
Now is the opportune moment to initiate the planning process. It is imperative that we exercise prudence and carefully consider the guidance provided by medical experts as we embark on our planning journey in the upcoming weeks.
More than a month ago, the executive order implemented by Justice led to the closure of the five retail casinos in West Virginia.
Despite the ongoing impact of COVID-19 in the US, there has been a consistent decrease in daily cases. Given that West Virginia was not severely affected compared to other areas, it could potentially be among the first to resume normal operations.
Opening WV casinos and other non-essential businesses
Leaders in every state in the US are currently facing a challenging period. It is crucial to prioritize both the revival of the economy by getting residents back to work and ensuring the well-being and safety of everyone.
While reopening businesses undoubtedly holds the potential to revive the nation’s economy, one must ponder the cost-benefit analysis of doing so amidst the ongoing spread of the coronavirus.
While the letter from the WV leadership to Justice emphasizes the importance of taking precautions, certain sections of the message fail to do so.
After engaging in conversations with prominent business leaders, fellow legislators, and, most importantly, numerous constituents, it is apparent that there exists a wide range of opinions. However, it is evident that a significant majority shares deep concerns regarding the potential consequences of implementing new rules and regulations. The prevailing fear is that such measures might result in an overreaction, causing the pendulum to swing excessively towards unwarranted restrictions. Consequently, there is a genuine apprehension that these drastic changes could adversely impact West Virginia businesses and the entire populace of the state.
Although the financial implications of the coronavirus are significant and continuously escalating, prioritizing health should always take precedence. If businesses fail to implement appropriate safety protocols and another outbreak ensues, the condition of the state will deteriorate further compared to the present.
The communication addressed to the governor persisted:
In the event of implementing drastic changes, there is a looming risk of West Virginia facing extensive long-term unemployment and a notable decline in state revenue. Consequently, this would result in the loss of crucial state programs that benefit numerous individuals across our state. Should such a scenario unfold, the impacts of COVID-19, including unemployment, poverty, and a sense of despair, may potentially wreak more havoc in West Virginia than the disease itself.
While they may have a valid argument, it is impossible to downplay the seriousness of a pandemic virus that has resulted in the loss of thousands of American lives. West Virginia and all other states should gradually transition back to normalcy, with a focus on prioritizing the health of everyone.
Impact on WV sportsbooks and casinos
The reopening of the state would directly impact two businesses: WV sportsbooks and casinos.
Currently, WV does not have any mobile casino apps. Therefore, all casino revenue is solely generated from retail casino operations. However, individuals can still engage in sports wagering through the three available online sportsbooks in WV.
It is logical for casino operators to support the swift return of people to the gaming floor. Additionally, the state budget could greatly benefit from the gambling revenue it previously received before the shutdown.
Despite the availability of online sports betting, three out of the five WV casinos do not offer a mobile sportsbook.
- Mountaineer Casino
- Mardi Gras
- Wheeling Island
In order to generate profits, all three entities require the resumption of retail wagering. However, even if they do decide to reopen, they will still be lacking a crucial element for sports betting, which is the presence of sports events.
Opening up too quickly may have negative consequences.
Despite the letter sent to Justice, it appears probable that casinos will have to exercise significant caution upon reopening. This could entail reducing the number of seats, tables, and slots in order to promote greater adherence to social distancing measures.
Related Articles
