All Illinois casinos must cap themselves at 50 percent capacity, just as in Las Vegas and Indiana, among other jurisdictions. The guidelines require both employees and gamblers to wear \u201csome types of face covering.\u201d Several common allurements won\u2019t be able to reopen immediately, including buffets, poker rooms, and any promotions that can\u2019t be conducted while maintaining social distancing.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Behind the scenes, operators will take on added responsibilities. Casinos must screen employees daily and provide workers with free personal protective equipment. They must also regularly disinfect dice, chips, cards, and other gaming equipment.<\/p>\n
While the guidelines don\u2019t provide a reopening date, operators are hoping that they can get back to business as quickly as possible. Illinois Casino Gaming Association executive director Tom Swoik told the Chicago Sun-Times <\/em>that he\u2019s hopeful casinos will be able to reopen on June 26, when the state could advance to Phase 4 of its COVID-19 reopening plan, provided there are no new setbacks.<\/p>\nOur public health officials are talking to casino owners and other experts to try to figure out how you could do it,\u201d Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker told reporters last week. \u201cWe\u2019ve heard a lot about this out of Las Vegas, of course. But, look: the goal here is to get everybody back to work, but to do it safely.\u201d<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\nWhen casinos reopen, they may have a new offering for their visitors to try. On Thursday, the Illinois Gaming Board granted sports betting licenses to seven casinos. However, each casino will still have to separately request approval if they want to take online or mobile bets.<\/p>\n