Safety protocols provided
The Michigan Gaming Control Board issued its reopening requirements for Detroit casinos, with strict health and safety guidelines that operators must meet when the green light is eventually given to reopen. The casinos do not have a reopening date yet, but can begin working to meet the safety protocols to prepare. The properties that must adhere to the new guidelines are the MGM Grand Detroit Casino, Greektown Casino, and MotorCity Casino.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer lifted the statewide stay-at-home order on June 1.
Michigan casinos first shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic on March 23. Governor Gretchen Whitmer lifted the statewide stay-at-home order on June 1. Though most businesses were given a reopening date at that time, casinos were not included and remain closed.
Strict requirements for Detroit casinos
The safety standards listed in the new guidelines are the minimum requirements that must be followed by the three Detroit casinos. Each casino may only admit guests up to 15% of its maximum capacity. Everyone, both guests and employees, must wear a mask at all times while on-site.
Regulations state that the casinos must provide protective masks for their patrons as well as employees, a stricter stance than in most other states. For example, Nevada casinos, which began reopening June 4, only require masks for employees, not patrons. The only reason a mask can be removed in Detroit is to eat or drink.
Anyone entering a Detroit casino must also have their temperature checked with a thermal scanner or no-touch thermometer.
All poker rooms, as well as self-serve buffets and beverage stations, will remain closed until a later date.
Slot machine and table game rules
Each of the Detroit casinos must schedule frequent cleaning of slot machines and promote social distancing by placing plexiglass barriers between machines or by removing chairs from certain games to create space between players.
For table games, mini-baccarat and roulette will be open to four players per table, while only six players can play at a craps table.
we will work together to rebuild this industry”
The Gaming Control Board stated that it will assist each casino in the process of reopening in a safe and efficient manner based on the guidelines provided by the state and the Centers for Disease Control.
“We fully anticipate that we will work together to rebuild this industry to again be a leading economic engine for Michigan and to restore the first-rate entertainment facilities each of our Licensees have developed,” the Board said.