Casinos Agree To Close Doors In Response To Coronavirus Crisis

TAMPA — Following protests from state Rep. Jackie Toledo (R-Tampa), Seminole Hard Rock Casino has agreed to temporarily close its casinos in Tampa and Hollywood beginning at 6 p.m. Friday to help stop the spread of the new coronavirus.

Toledo said Friday she was relieved to learn of the company's decision.

“I'm extremely pleased that the Seminole Tribe and the leadership of the Seminole Hard Rock decided to temporarily close its doors," she said. "The health and well-being of our community is of the utmost importance as we battle this pandemic, and operating the casino presents a health risk to workers, patrons and our community at large."

Toledo hosted a news conference Wednesday outside the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Tampa in the hopes of pressuring the casinos to close during the coronavirus outbreak.

"We have reports from inside the casino of sick and pregnant employees who are being told by upper management that they are not allowed to leave work, disregarding doctors notes, saying they need to continue working," Toledo said. "The casino is not accepting any requests off for the week of March 16 and are forcing employees to buy PTO (paid time off). This is wrong."

Seminole Hard Rock CEO James Allen issued a statement saying that the casinos are following all hygiene protocols, have closed its poker room, limited the number of slot machines, canceled all concerts, poker competitions and tournaments, and is limiting the number of guests at game tables and in the hotel's restaurants.

"With growing global concerns around the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, I wanted to provide you with an update on our response and our commitment to you moving forward," said Allen."Seminole Gaming cares deeply about you and your family’s health. As a leader in global entertainment and hospitality, we have been elevating all of our communication and hygiene protocols to better protect all of our guests, team members, vendors and partners since this began, weeks ago."

Additionally, he said employees will be compensated if quarantined by health officials, and the company is waiving any charges for coronavirus tests for employees whose doctors prescribe one.

Don't miss updates about precautions in Florida as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

"This is the exact opposite of what we are hearing from inside the walls," Toledo said Thursday. "Employees are claiming if they do not have PTO, the casino makes them work while they are sick. We are told by patrons there is no hand sanitizer, and we've heard from dealers saying they have been out of sanitation wipes for days. This is a breeding ground for this virus."

She said she learned that the casino gave away free drink tickets to draw in nearly 8,000 people Wednesday.

"It is criminal to hold promotions to bring vulnerable guests in their doors," she said.

Both the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa and Hollywood are owned by the Seminole Indian Tribe.

"Under Part VII, A. of the Seminole Compact (the agreement between the tribe and the state of Florida) the tribe is obligated to adopt or issue standards 'designed to ensure that the facilities are constructed, operated and maintained in a manner that adequately protects the environment and public health and safety,'" Toledo said.

She said the tribe is violating its agreement with the state.

"My office is still asking questions and pushing on the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa to follow the lead of casinos across the country and close their doors," she said. "We have received messages and emails from staff inside the casino begging for help but fear retribution from the casino. We are told management inside the casino is brushing the seriousness of the issue under the rug. They have not changed their cleaning protocols and are remaining complacent as the spread continues. Staff is scared."

Upon learning that the casino's management had reversed its decision to stay open, Toledo thanked the employees who came forward and contacted her office regarding the situation in the casinos.

"I am hopeful the Seminole Hard Rock will continue to prioritize their employees and provide financial assistance while the doors are closed," she said.

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, casinos in Maryland, Illinois, Nevada and California have shut down.

Related stories:

• County Issues Order Closing Restaurants At 10 PM: Coronavirus
• Governor Orders Florida Bars Closed Due To Coronavirus