Indiana prepares to reopen casinos next week

The state will be able to reopen 13 casinos from June 15 under strict measures approved by the Indiana Gaming Comission.

US.- Indiana will be able to reopen casinos next week after more than two months of closure due to novel coronavirus pandemic. Reopening will take place under strict safety plans approved by the Indiana Gaming Comission.

The state has 13 regulated casinos, which have been closed since mid-March when government introduced a lockdown to slow the spread of the virus.

The Michigan-based Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians announced Monday that it also plans to reopen its casino in South Bend, Indiana, and three casinos in southwestern Michigan on June 15.

Casino safety plans required by the Indiana Gaming Commission include encouraging 6-foot distancing between gamblers and limits on the number of people at table games. Casinos must also give face masks to all employees.

Jennifer Reske, the commission’s deputy director, said: “They will all have measures in place to ensure they’re tracking capacity during the course of the gaming day. We’ve also eliminated any special events, no parties, any type of situation that lends itself to the congregating of a crowd.

“We’re impressed with the resources they’ve put into preparing for opening with all the necessary health mitigation procedures in place.”

At least 7,000 Indiana casino workers have lost jobs during the shutdowns. The casino shutdowns have also cost the state government more than US$110 million in projected tax revenue for March, April and May.

Indiana casinos will be allowed to open from 6am on June 15. Many will have fewer electronic games in order to provide greater distancing, and some will spread machines and tables farther apart in gambling areas.