Casinos remain open despite curfew

Casinos in Arizona remained open during the night despite state curfews imposed after protests following the death of George Floyd.

US.- Casinos remained opened during night in Arizona despite curfews imposed following protests over George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis police officers.

Casinos in the state of Arizona had only recently reopened after the pandemic lockdown, which severely hit the business. Many owners have decided to stay open despite the state curfew, which exempts those patronising or operating a private business.

Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis supported the decision and confirmed that the curfew order would not apply to people traveling to and from the tribe’s casinos in the time covered by the curfew, which runs from 8pm to 5am.

Lewis said in a video: “The decision was made in accordance with Gila Gaming Enterprises and Community Council for our community’s casinos to remain open as well, knowing that our community has the resources to maintain security and protection,”

Lewis added that the order is targeted at those acting lawlessly during protests, not casino patrons.

The tribe has three casinos: Lone Butte, Wild Horse Pass and Vee Quiva. They reopened on May 15, along with Fort McDowell Casino and Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel and Casino.

Talking Stick Resort, Casino Arizona, Cliff Castle Casino and Cocopah Casino opened Monday, the day after the curfew took effect. The Pascua Yaqui Tribe’s Casino Del Sol and the Tohono O’odham Nation’s Desert Diamond casinos are set to open this week.