Health

Rolling the dice: Loophole let Foxwoods reopen early despite CT governor’s opposition

BOSTON — Casinos in Massachusetts won’t be open for business for at least a couple of weeks and that’s a best case scenario.

Both the Massachusetts State Gaming Commission and the Governor’s office will have to sign off on safety plans that will allow the casinos in Everett, Plainville and Springfield to roll the dice again.

However, gambling is already back in several New England states, including Connecticut, which is host to the Foxwoods Resort Casino.

The coronavirus caused the massive complex to close for the first time in its 28-year history.

So far, about 25 percent of the facility is open, according to Jason Guyot, Foxwoods Interim CEO and President.

“From a gambling perspective, our patrons have all the options that they have had. We have less units available, but from the slots and table games perspective, they can find all their favorite games that they’re typically used to playing,” he said.

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Guyot says they’ve developed a plan that allows for everyone to be entertained while being safe.

“We worked with medical experts, our chief medical officer and other industry kinds of specialists to look at what kind of precautions and protocols we need to put in place to reopen safely,” he said.

As customers enter the casino, thermal imaging detects if anyone has a high temperature, and makes sure everyone is wearing a mask.

“If they fail, then we re-test them, and again, if they fail, we will escort them off the property and hand them a COVID-19 information card that will give them more information about what their next steps should be,” explained Guyot.

Around the facility, there are reminders about acting safely, and markings on the floor to keep everyone six feet apart. Plexiglass partitions have been installed on the game tables to keep everyone separate.

This week, more dining options will become available.

“Right now, the buffet is closed," Guyot said. "We don’t have an anticipated opening day, but we’re looking forward to allowing sit-down dining, 50 percent capacity at our restaurants within the resort.”

The casino sits on land controlled by the Pequot Tribe, which meant it could open despite Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont’s concerns that this plan was too aggressive.

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Lamont’s administration even erected traffic signs on state roads leading to the casino telling people not to gamble with their health.

Still, Guyot believes all the new procedures, including intense sanitation of play areas, gives visitors good odds they can play safely.

“We welcome everyone and I would say safety and security remains our number one priority,” he said.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has been looking at different plans to open the casinos here. Governor Baker could also have additional safety measures he’d like in placed before he agrees to let them resume business.

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RESOURCES:

- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information

- Boston Coronavirus Information

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