Big Changes Coming When Pennsylvania Casinos Reopen

HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has released protocols state casinos will have to meet before reopening during the coronavirus outbreak.

Kevin O'Toole, the board's executive director, said the new operational requirements have been established based on best-practice guidelines along with various plans gaming companies in Pennsylvania have authored.

“As conditions throughout the Commonwealth improve and the reopening of casinos is authorized, the PGCB desires to assure that re-openings occur in a manner which promote the safety of casino patrons and employees alike as well as assure an environment conducive to proper regulatory oversight,” O’Toole said in a news release.

When casinos reopen:

• All patrons and employees will be required to wear a mask and social distancing must be maintained.

• Some slot machines may have to be disabled to maintain social distancing.

• Plexiglass shield will be installed between slot machines.

• Hand sanitizer stations will be in place.

• Floor markings will be installed to ensure patrons stay six feet apart.

• Increased distance between players will be required at table games.

Casinos, movie theaters and other indoor entertainment places can't resume operating until their locations are in the green phase of the state's reopening plan. It's unclear when any county will reach that stage, although 37 counties currently are in the yellow phase and 12 more will
be as of Friday.

You can see the entire 10-page protocols document here.