Casinos in Massachusetts reopened fully on May 29 without restrictions. But the shadow of Covid lingers as the Bay State casinos are giving $20 credits to patrons who can show they have been fully vaccinated.
They are also allowed to go unmasked. Plainridge Park slots parlor General Manager Northscott Grounsell quipped: “Guests can walk right up to a bar and do crazy things — purchase a drink, consume it there, stand, enjoy themselves.” He added, “We’re also able to turn on a few more slot machines, open a few bars, our restaurants are now at full capacity.”
The effects of Covid also mean that some plexiglass barriers remain, although live music is starting to return.
Grounsell told NBC 10 News: “Folks who have gotten both shots and show us their vaccination card can get $20 to play on slots. We’re doing that as a way to reward folks who have already gotten vaccinated and maybe provide that extra bump to folks who are still on the fence.”
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission May 27 voted 4-0 to lift all restrictions and return to pre-pandemic rules. That allowed the Encore Boston Harbor and MGM Springfield to bring back blackjack, craps and roulette without social distancing requirements. Capacity limits were also lifted, although it will realistically be months and maybe years before the casinos return to pre-Covid levels.
