Boyd to reopen three casinos in Indiana and Ohio

Boyd Gaming Corporation announced Wednesday plans to resume operations at three properties in Indiana and Ohio. 

On June 15, Blue Chip Casino Hotel and Spa in Michigan City, and Belterra Casino Resort in Florence are set to open in Indiana. On June 19, the company plans to reopen Belterra Park in Cincinnati, Ohio.

In that state, they will join other casinos set to reopen next week after Gov. Mike DeWine announced the businesses could open as early as June 19: Jack Casino, Miami Valley Gaming and Hollywood Casino.

DeWine said casinos and racinos can reopen with restrictions: poker, coat check, valet services, concerts and banquets won't be available yet. The maximum capacity will be limited to no more than 50% of fire code, most employees will wear face coverings and special hours will be set aside for at-risk populations, such as older adults, as reported by Cincinnati Enquirer.

Blue Chip Casino Hotel and Spa in Michigan City, Indiana.

"Adding these three properties to our latest reopenings, we will have 24 of our 29 properties nationwide back in operation," said Keith Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boyd Gaming, in a press release. "We are encouraged by early guest volumes at our newly reopened properties across the country and are optimistic we will see similar results as we return to business at Blue Chip, Belterra Resort and Belterra Park."

Upon reopening, the three properties will operate with limited amenities and capacity restrictions in compliance with state and local requirements. Additionally, all Boyd Gaming properties are practicing "Boyd Clean," a set of comprehensive protocols aimed at protecting the health and safety of their team members and guests. 

These protocols include mandatory face coverings and temperature checks for all team members; social distancing requirements and capacity restrictions across all customer and employees areas, including casino floors and restaurants; enhanced cleaning and sanitation of all high-touch surfaces, including door handles, gaming machines, table games, handrails and elevator buttons; increased placement of hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the properties; required training for all team members on Boyd’s safety protocols.

In Ohio, Jack Casino, future home of the Hard Rock Casino, said it will be opening on June 19 but still without Hard Rock signage. Rising Star Casino and resort will be opening June 15, as will Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg. Miami Valley Gaming will open June 19.