Colorado casinos to reopen
Colorado has allowed casinos in Gilpin and Teller counties to reopen but observing strict safety measures.
US.- Casinos in Colorado are slowly to reopen after shutdown. The state has approved the reopening of venues in Gilpin and Teller counties.
The coronavirus pandemic paused activities for almost three months in the state, causing a huge economic impact on the billion-dollar casino industry.
Monarch Casino General Manager Craig Pleva told local press: “We have never experienced anything like this, whether it was 9-1-1, the financial crisis; whatever happened, I mean, we were always open.”
While last year, 33 casinos took more than US$140 million in April and May and paid nearly US$26 million in taxes to the state, this year, revenue was zero, Pleva said.
Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek were forced to close every casino in mid-March, when the US entered Covid-19 lockdown. Black Hawk has 15 casinos, Central City six, and Crippled Creek 12. The industry employs close to 10,000 workers.
The Colorado Department of Revenue is predicting a 40% fall in tax revenue this year.
In order to reopen on June 17, casinos in Gilpin County will have to apply the following changes:
– Health screenings for visitors and employees on arrival.
-Permit entry only to 50 per cent capacity or a maximum of 175 people in a confined indoor space (whichever is fewer).
-Employees and visitors must wear face masks.
-Machines only. Table games must remain closed.
-A 6-foot distance between slot machines to maintain social distancing.
Casinos in Teller County reopened today with similar guidelines.
According to Matt Andrighetti, the general manager at Wildwood Casino, the casino is putting up signs to help visitors maintain the distance required. The casino has also invested in UV technology to clean floors elevators in busy areas.
