For example, a casino that normally has 2,500 seats would be limited to 1,250 patrons. However, if they can only effectively make 800 seats available after applying social distancing guidelines, then their limit would be 1,200 patrons.<\/p>\n
Reske said that some casinos may be able to take advantage of extra floor space so they can fit more slots and tables while keeping patrons a safe distance from each other.<\/p>\n
I think all the casinos have a good opportunity to comply with social distancing and the environments they have,\u201d Reske told Casino.org. \u201cObviously, the tighter the space and the more pinch points the property has, the more challenges they’re going to have in achieving social distancing. But I think that we’ve put forward a plan that each operator can successfully implement.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
No food or drink will be allowed on the gaming floor during the first reopening phase. While restaurants adjacent to the casino floor must abide by state guidelines, nightclubs and buffets will not open immediately. Valet service and promotional events will also be suspended.<\/p>\n
The full plan can be found here.<\/p>\n
Union Wants Employee Concerns Addressed<\/h2>\n
In devising the guidelines, Reske said IGC officials reviewed plans already released by casinos, as well as talking to colleagues in other states. They also looked at information from UNITE HERE, a labor organization representing employees at five Indiana casinos.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe’re taking information from any source that provides it at this point,\u201d she told Casino.org \u201cAs a regulator, when you’re in a position to make decisions, the more information you have, the better the outcome is going to be.\u201d<\/p>\n
UNITE HERE Local 23 President Stuart Mora told Casino.org the state needs to produce a plan that takes into account employee concerns.<\/p>\n
The local, one of two in the state, represents employees at two Caesars Entertainment properties. Mora noted the company reported $2.8 billion in cash-on-hand in its latest quarterly report. Yet, it still chose to furlough<\/a> nearly all of its workers indefinitely, and only guarantee health insurance coverage through June.<\/p>\n“We cannot rely on casino companies to do the right thing,\u201d <\/strong>Mora said. \u201cWe’ve already seen what has happened in the meatpacking industry in Indiana and across our country. We need Gov. Holcomb and the Indiana Gaming Commission to establish and enforce a high standard for COVID-safe casinos to protect employees and patrons. This standard must include sufficient wages and access to affordable health care, so employees won’t choose to come to work sick because they can’t afford not to work.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\nThe current IGC recommendations tell casinos to direct their workers to stay home if they\u2019re not feeling well. Casinos also cannot discipline employees or issue points toward termination for missing work if they\u2019re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, are under quarantine, or have tested positive for the virus.<\/p>\n
The IGC, though, encourages casinos to consider financial incentives for employees with care.<\/p>\n
\u201cCasinos shall be sensitive to the fact that incentives or bonuses tied to attendance may encourage employees to come to work while sick, and may wish to be flexible in administering any such programs during this time,\u201d the IGC wrote.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb on Wednesday announced that the third stage of the state\u2019s COVID-19 reopening plan would take place a couple days sooner than expected. However, that doesn\u2019t translate into the state\u2019s casinos opening sooner. Officials from the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) expect casinos will reopen \u201cafter the beginning\u201d of stage four, which is […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":136515,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,13592],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Indiana to Require Masks at Table Games When Casinos Reopen<\/title>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n