Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker allowed casinos to reopen on July 1 with new health and safety protocols, including reduced capacity, social distancing and mandatory face masks. But recently the Illinois Gaming Board announced it would discipline the state’s 10 casinos, thousands of video gambling machine locations and off-track betting sites for any violations of the new Covid-19 protocols—including taking away their licenses.
IGB Administrator Marcus Fruchter stated, “More importantly, disregard of such preventative measures and requirements could contribute to a resurgence of Covid-19 cases in Illinois and another potential suspension of gaming operations. That is a result nobody wants. We urge you not to let it happen.”
Enforcement remains unclear. Fruchter’s statement did not mention enhanced inspections or oversight and the IGB does not have the resources to monitor all of its licensees 24/7. As a result, the IGB primarily will have to depend on license holders to police themselves and casino employees and guests will have to make sure they’re taking the necessary precautions, Fruchter said.
Fruchter implied it will become obvious whether Illinoisans are following the mandated safety measures since irresponsible behavior will lead to spikes in hospitalizations and positive tests. If those are more concentrated in areas where gambling companies operate, the correlation will be evident and could result in more casino closures, Fruchter noted.
He pointed out California Governor Gavin Newsom recently ordered non-tribal gaming rooms to close again. Also, the Mississippi Gaming Commission recently made wearing face masks mandatory at all casinos.
