Gaming establishments in Illinois have not yet announced a specific date or timeframe for reopening to visitors. However, the approval of an opening strategy for Illinois gambling is an important first step.
On Thursday, the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) disclosed the specifics of the plan, indicating that the state’s 10 casinos could potentially reopen later this month.
Information about the opening of the Illinois game
IGB Administrator Marcus Fruchter made it clear that the start of procedures does not mean that casinos and racing venues in Illinois will definitely open.
According to Fruchter:
The timing and requirements for resuming operations will be determined based on data and guidance from public health officials. These actions will be carried out in accordance with Governor JB Pritzker’s ‘Restore Illinois’ plan.
The regulations mirror those put in place for the reopening of games in different states. One example is that social distancing guidelines may require games to restrict their attendance to half of the maximum capacity allowed by the fire code.
Illinois casinos may be required by the game board to keep amenities like self-service buffets and attendant services closed. Additionally, the board could mandate the wearing of face masks and regular temperature checks for casino employees.
Casino providers have the autonomy to make decisions on various matters, such as the speed of implementing enhanced cleaning procedures, strategies for maintaining social distancing on the gaming floor, and the requirement for patrons to wear masks.
Several casino operators in various states have intentionally gone above and beyond safety regulations. In Illinois, casinos have implemented measures such as installing plexiglass barriers at customer service desks and reducing seating capacity to ensure the safety of patrons.
The IGB addressed the issue of land-based bookmakers at its Thursday meeting, as the legal landscape for sports betting in the state continues to evolve.
IGB approves seven registration requests.
The residents of the state who held sports betting licenses until Thursday only had temporary credentials. The IGB was able to successfully convert some of these licenses during its appointment.
Before the closure of Illinois games on March 16, seven entertainment facilities had their four-year master licenses unanimously approved by the state gaming board, even though most of them were not yet operational. These facilities are intended for gambling.
- Alton Argosy Casino
- Victoria’s Grand Casino
- Aurora Hollywood Casino
- Hollywood Casino in Joliet
- Des Plaines’ River Game
- Queen Casino
- The hotel resembles a row of stones in a Blackjack game.
Legal betting in Illinois will not be available until casinos reopen, even though Gov. Pritzker has waived the in-person registration requirement. Currently, no sports betting apps in Illinois are accepting online bets.
The situation is not likely to change in the near future as online casino operators are still waiting for vendor licenses from the IGB. Additionally, BetRivers, the online counterpart of Rivers Casino in DesPlaines, has not yet set a launch date.
By implementing these health and safety regulations promptly, there is a possibility that gambling establishments could reopen by June 26. Pritzker has included these measures in Phase 4 of his plan to resume operations, designating that date as the earliest potential entry into this phase.
Phase 4 of the reopening plan does not specifically mention off-track betting locations and video lottery switch rooms. However, in the final stage of reopening, which is the fifth phase, it is required that OTBs and VLT spaces remain closed until Governor Pritzker completely lifts his order.
Casinos will have the opportunity to prepare if these practices are announced and the preparation time becomes crucial. But residents of Illinois should not expect to be able to visit brick-and-mortar casinos on June 26.
