Connecticut casinos staying open — for now
While casinos in Rhode Island and Massachusetts are closing due to the coronavirus outbreak, Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun have so far indicated they’re staying open despite canceling shows, events and some offerings.
Foxwoods closed its Bingo Hall on Saturday, and indicated it would close the casino’s racebook and keno, effective Monday. It also will close live table games in the Great Cedar, Fox Tower and Rainmaker casinos Monday. Live table games in the Grand Pequot Casino and all electronic table games will remain open.
On Friday, Foxwoods suspended bus transportation to and from the casino.
In a statement Saturday night, Jeff Hamilton, Mohegan Sun’s president and general manager, said Mohegan Sun “is in the process of evaluating specific areas of closure at the resort for the safety of all guests and team members.”
“Most concerts and sporting events through the end of March have already been rescheduled or canceled, and will continue to be evaluated into April,” he said. “Tenants of The Shops at Mohegan Sun are evaluating their own hours and closures, and are also making adjustments and updates in continuous communication with Mohegan Sun leadership. We are also cooperating with outside organizations who wish to continue to hold their small meetings and conferences.”
In Massachusetts, state gaming regulators voted Saturday to close the state’s three gaming facilities: MGM Springfield, Encore Boston Harbor in Everett and Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville.
“This decision will be re-assessed in two weeks, while an orderly shutdown process is actively underway,” the Massachusetts Gaming Commission announced. “It is anticipated that the gaming floor will close to patrons at 5:59 a.m. on March 15, 2020.”
Nongaming operations are to cease by midnight Sunday.
Rhode Island officials moved to close the state-owned casinos Twin River operates in Lincoln and Tiverton after previously indicating they would stay open. The closures will be reassessed after one week, officials said.
Casino closings also have been announced in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania. No casinos in New Jersey or Nevada have announced plans to close, though some have canceled shows and closed buffets and nightclubs.
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