Arizona casino plans to reopen on May 1

Mazatzal Hotel & Casino is planning to open its doors to members of the public having closed doe to Coronavirus.

US.- A casino in Arizona could be one of the first gaming venues in the country to open its doors after the owner announced plans to resume operations next week.

The Mazatzal Hotel & Casino in Payson is owned and operated by the Tonto Apache Tribe, and has been closed since March 19 on advisory measures due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The closure was said to be in good faith as a precaution to protect the health and safety of all tribal members, tribal enterprise team members and the community.

Mazatzal employs more 300 people, with employees receiving payment until April 2, apart from a few key workers still on site who have continued to receive wages.

Marketing Director for the casino, John Giles, said: “The decision to temporarily close was done so by the Tonto Apache Tribal Council and not due to any outside pressure.

“We are hoping and planning on reopening the casino on May 1. Of course, those plans can change based on the recommendations of health and government officials.

“We are still waiting for some guidance from the CDC, Indian Health Services and our government officials on what precautions should be made once we reopen. Whatever is recommended we will absolutely follow and ensure everyone is protected.”

Meanwhile, a casino in Tucson, Arizona has declared it will provide food for front line health workers fighting Coronavirus.