BOSTON (AP) — Plainridge Park Casino reopened on Wednesday, the first of Massachusetts’ three casinos to start accepting wagers again under the third phase of Gov. Charlie Baker’s coronavirus economic recovery plan.
The slots parlor in Plainville has taken several steps to prevent the spread of the disease, including limiting capacity, reducing the number of machines available and installing signage and plexiglass dividers to enforce social distancing guidelines in areas where lines typically form.
“I think we’ll be able to accomplish both, operating a profitable business, never losing sight of the fact that this is a public safety exercise, and so one should not exceed the other,” Vice President and General Manager Lance George said.
Guests and workers will be required to wear masks and undergo a daily health screening, including a temperature check.
Dining options are also limited.
“No pushback when it comes to the requirement on masks,” George said. “They understand the check-in process, they’re not surprised by that. No real issues, no pushback from our customers.”
Encore Boston Harbor is scheduled to reopen July 12 and MGM Springfield expects to open on July 13, both with similar precautionary measures in place.
Casinos in neighboring Rhode Island and Connecticut have already reopened.
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