Pennsylvania: Yesterday on May 19 the PGCB issued a document which outlines the protocols for casinos to follow when they reopen. There has not been a set date for the state’s twelve casinos to reopen, but the guidelines have been established.
The protocols are fairly standard and expected, with masks required and social distancing guidelines to be followed. Interestingly enough, hats are not allowed to be worn as they might interfere with patron facial recognition technology. The PGCB does not elaborate on what the facial identification requirement is for, but it explains patrons might be required to produce identification to enter.
Poker Rooms will remain closed, along with slot machines in operation to be reduced to allow for social distancing. Table games will have fewer players, and likely plexiglass borders.
Patron/Guest requirements
● All patrons entering a casino shall wear a mask which covers the nose and mouth areas and shall wear the mask in that manner continuously while in the casino.
● Patrons should be discouraged from wearing a hat in the casino. A patron who wears a hat will be required while at the casino entrance to temporarily remove the hat or lower the nose/mouth mask and look toward a designated security camera for facial identification purposes.
● Patrons who are subject to identification check may be required to briefly lower a mask to verify their identity with government issued identification cards.
● The casino shall place signage at each entrance point reminding patrons of CDC guidelines for social distancing practices, proper washing of hands, use of sanitizers, wearing masks, and to stay at home if feeling ill or sick.
● The casino shall consider implementing methods for identifying persons who have a fever or other symptom of illness and not permitting those persons to access the casino gaming floor.
● The casino staff stationed at entrance points shall receive training in recognizing possible signs of persons who may be ill, and shall be instructed to routinely ask such persons if they have had a fever, had contact with anyone with the COVID-19 virus within the past fourteen (14) days, and whether they are feeling ill. An affirmative answer to any of these questions shall result in refusing admittance to the casino on that day.
● The casino shall place sanitizer stations at each entrance as well as throughout the casino floor which shall include hand sanitizer solution as well as sanitizing wipes for patrons to use both on their person as well as on surfaces with which they may come into contact.
● The casino shall place markings on the floor in all areas in which patrons may form lines or queues for entry or services. The marking shall be designed to maintain a social distancing of 6 feet in between patrons.
● The casino shall place markings and or queuing devices outside the entrances of the casino in areas in which patrons may form lines or queues for entry to the casino. The marking or queuing devices shall be designed to maintain a social distancing of patrons.
● Patrons not complying with protocols shall be warned and if they do not comply shall be asked to leave the casino.
● The casino shall implement procedures to ensure facility occupancy rates are sufficient to maintain social distancing guidelines consistent with CDC and PA DOH guidance.
Slots
● Casinos shall promote social distancing between slot machines by one or more of the following methods:
1. Installing a plexiglass barrier between machines
2. Removing chairs from certain machines
3. Disabling certain slot machines to create distance between operating machines.
4. Other methods as approved by the Board’s Executive Director.
● Slot machine touch surfaces shall be frequently wiped with a disinfectant solution when not in use.
● Players at slot machines shall wear face masks per guidance by the CDC and PA DOH.
● Sanitizing wipes shall be available for players to clean a slot machine before play.
Table Games
● Table games shall be operated in a manner to maintain increased distance between players at each table.
● Table games shall be operated in a manner to prevent persons not playing at a table from congregating around the table in close proximity to players at the table.
● Dealers and players at a table shall wear face masks per guidance by the CDC and PA DOH.
● High touch points at a table shall be sanitized frequently including, but not limited to pit stands, gaming equipment, chairs and table bumpers/arm rests.
● Dealers, Supervisors or other table game personnel shall sanitize card shoes, dice and other gaming devices and equipment on a frequent basis.
● Casinos shall develop protocols for chips to be cleaned and sanitized on a daily basis.
● Hand sanitizers and sanitizing wipe stations shall be positioned in close proximity to each table game pit.
● Casinos may utilize alternative procedures which limit players touching chips and cards and may utilize clear plexiglass barriers between players and the dealer upon notice to the Bureau of Casino Compliance.
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