More US states extend casino closures due to coronavirus spread

As the coronavirus crisis deepens, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission last Friday extended the shutdown of the state’s three casinos for another month, until noon on May 4. The Gaming Commission’s vote keeps MGM Springfield, Encore Boston Harbor and Plainridge Park closed to the public. All three facilities have been closed since March 15, as ordered by the commission. The unanimous vote is consistent with Gov. Charlie Baker’s shutdown order for non-essential businesses, which is also in place until May 4.

In Washington, numerous Native American Tribes around the state are temporarily closing their casinos because of the coronavirus outbreak. The Kalispel Tribe of Indians announced last week that it’s Northern Quest casino in the Spokane suburb of Airway Heights will be closed for two weeks. The Spokane Tribe also closed its casino in Airway Heights. 

Following guidance from the Colville Business Council, 12 Tribes Casinos has extended closures for all three casino properties —12 Tribes Resort Casino in Omak, 12 Tribes Mill Bay Casino in Manson, and 12 Tribes Coulee Dam Casino in Coulee Dam. The closure has been in effect since March 17, and will last through April 30, in accordance with Washington State Governor Jay Inslee's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order. Also, The Seattle Times reported that the Suquamish, Puyallup, Tulalip, Muckleshoot, Lummi, Cowlitz and Jamestown S’Klallam tribes are temporarily shutting down their casinos. The Yakama Nation is also closing its casino in Toppenish.

Illinois casinos will also remain shuttered for at least another month to help stop the spread of coronavirus in the state. Last week, the Illinois Gaming Board extended the suspension of all casino gambling and video gaming operations in the state until at least April 30. The extension falls in line with Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s announcement last Tuesday that the stay-at-home order for the state will now go through the end of April. All 10 of the state’s casinos have been closed since Monday, March 16. That includes two casinos in the metro St. Louis area: Argosy Casino Alton and the Casino Queen in East St. Louis.

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson has also extended the closure of the state’s three operating casinos until April 30. This affects hundreds of jobs at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Southland Gaming in West Memphis and the Saracen Casino in Pine Bluff, a new annex operation while a hotel and casino resort is under construction nearby.