All US commercial casinos are now closed

After Deadwood, South Dakota’s mayor requested the closure of the city’s remaining casinos, 100% of the country’s 465 commercial casinos will be closed as of this Wednesday at noon, according to the American Gaming Association (AGA).

Mayor David R. Ruth Jr. sent letters to casino operators requesting for them to close their doors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mike Rodman, executive director of Deadwood Gaming Association, said in a press release Tuesday morning that the association is working with Deadwood gaming operators to temporarily shut down their operations because of concerns over the potential spread of the coronavirus.

At least 97% of the country’s 524 tribal properties have also closed. The 16 properties that remain open are mostly small convenience locations. The combined 973 closed casinos represent 98% of all gaming properties in the country, affecting approximately 649,000 casino gaming employees – roughly the entire U.S. casino workforce, according to AGA.

Furthermore, the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association announced that all of its tribal members have closed their casinos temporarily. In a press release, the association states that each tribe is a unique, independent nation, and they are united to preserving public health. No date was given as to when they plan to reopen the properties.

Temporary closure extensions

The Illinois Gaming Board has extended its previous closure order to April 8. This closure order impacts all gaming operations in the state. Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb has issued an order requiring the closure of all non-essential businesses in the state through April 6. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board has extended its previous closure order through April 12. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses in the state through April 6.