A battered Massachusetts gaming industry took another right cross to the jaw Monday, November 2 when Governor Charlie Baker announced a stay home order for most residents that mandates the Bay State’s casinos close their doors between 9:30 p.m. and 5 a.m. The order takes effect October 6.
Like many states, Massachusetts has seen a surge in the spread of Covid-19 recently, something the governor’s orders are meant to slow.
Baker told reporters, “These measures are meant to disrupt rising trends now, so the Commonwealth can keep the economy and schools open for residents and to prevent the need to roll back to Phase I or Phase II of the reopening plan.”
Leading up to the order the state had nine consecutive days of new cases exceeding 1,000 per day, signaling a possible second surge.
The Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield and Plainridge Park slots parlor will all be affected by Baker’s executive order. Encore Boston Harbor announced it would temporarily close its hotel as well and open the casino floor between noon and 9 p.m.
Carlo Santarelli, a gaming analyst for Deutsche Bank told CDC Gaming Reports, “In and of itself, we don’t see the shortened hours hampering demand tremendously during the mid-week, but we imagine weekend play levels could be impacted by the earlier closures, especially considering the lack of alternative entertainment offerings that were previously available.”
Santarelli does see risks of effects from the further scaling back of operations in some markets, especially in the Midwest.
The governor’s order included a stipulation that all individuals over 5-years-old must wear a mask out of the home. Wynn spokesman Michael Weaver told CDC Gaming Reports that the Encore has required masks since reopening in July.
Another Wynn spokesman, Rosie Salisbury, added, “We need to better understand what the business demand will be under this new operating model.” All Encore Boston Harbor hotel reservations have been cancelled through December 15 and the hotel has closed. Most retail operations at the resort remain open.
A spokesman for MGM Springfield said that company has also required masks since reopening its casinos nationwide. The spokesman added, “We are evaluating the impacts on operations. We are in this together and remain committed to the health and safety of our guests, employees and the overall wellbeing of the state.”
