Ohio Casinos, Racinos, Given the Green Light to Reopen June 19

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine on Friday gave the go-ahead to the state’s casinos and racinos to resume operations on June 19 after closing doors in mid-March in the face of the global coronavirus pandemic.

Ohio’s four full-blown casinos in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Toledo and seven racinos across the state closed on March 14. Prior to their closure, the properties were off to a record start of the year. However, with no gambling money coming in, they are now falling nearly $400 million behind last year in terms of revenue.

Gaming revenue through the end of May amounted to $410.8 million, down from nearly $810 million for the same period in 2019.

The state’s casinos offer both slot machines and table games, while its racinos are limited to slots only.

Horse racing in Ohio resumed last month without spectators. People can place wagers via the Internet or through simulcasting elsewhere.

Racinos are regulated by the Ohio Lottery Commission. The regulatory body said Friday that all seven properties had informed it about plans to resume operations on June 19.

It was not immediately known if the four casinos would, too, reopen on June 19 or would need more time to prepare for resuming their operations after staying closed for more than three months.

Casino operator JACK Entertainment said that its casino in downtown Cleveland and its Thistledown Racino in North Randall will reopen on June 19.

Different Experience

The experience offered by Ohio’s casinos and racinos when they reopen doors will be different from what patrons were used to prior the Covid-19 crisis.

The properties will have to follow new safety rules to prevent customers and employees from being exposed to the dangerous coronavirus. The safety rules were prepared by industry officials, heads of Ohio’s Casino Control and Lottery Commissions, and health officials.

Under those rules, casino and racino workers will have to stay six feet apart unless a barrier is used across the properties. They will also have to use face masks or other facial coverings. The properties will have to encourage guests to wear face masks, as well.

Casinos and racinos will have to install signs informing guests that by entering the gaming facilities, they are affirming they do not have Covid-19, have not had Covid-19 symptoms in the last 14 days, and have not been in contact with anyone suspected to be infected with coronavirus.

Gambling facilities may remove some seats at gaming tables and shut down some slot machines to provide distance for patrons.

JACK Entertainment Chief Operating Officer Chad Barnhill said that the company will be instituting “new practices in compliance with public health orders and recommendations as well as additional safety protocols determined essential by our company.” The operator will release more information on its reopening plans in the coming weeks.

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