Casinos in Pennsylvania Can Now Return To Full Capacity

The global pandemic was detrimental to brick-and-mortar casinos in Pennsylvania. Like in other parts of the world, they were shut down to control the spread of the virus. The lockdowns were more than just an inconvenience. They resulted to huge financial losses.

Many casino workers lost their livelihood, and a lot of revenue was lost by both casinos and governments. When the casinos were finally reopened, they could only let in half of their capacity. However, things have changed and the casinos have finally received the mandate to return to full capacity.

According to Governor Tom Wolf, all COVID restrictions will be lifted and casinos can go back to full capacity by May 31. The only remaining obligation will be to wear facemasks in public. This is a temporary obligation too. The PA casinos map seen here may help you determine the best casinos to play.

Can Is Still the Operative Word

At the peak of the pandemic last year, Pennsylvania announced that it would be closing casinos for 100 days. However, the state has now released protocols for reopening at full capacity. It is still not clear what casinos will do to facilitate full reopening without creating safety or health concerns. Since the pandemic is still ongoing, they cannot afford to be complacent.

Most of the state’s gambling companies are actively hiring. The Valley Forge Casino, for example, recently organized a job fair. Many others are already posting ads on their social media platforms. The sudden hiring spree makes sense considering that drink service has returned and the number of guests to casinos may double.

COVID Regulations in Pennsylvania

Bars, restaurants, and other betting locations will also be allowed to open at full capacity. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the obligation to wear face masks in public will be lifted once 70 percent of the population over 18 is fully vaccinated. It is one of the most effective initiatives to push for COVID vaccinations.

The effects of the pandemic on the gaming industry have been devastating. About 20,000 casino workers were affected, not to mention the loss of revenue for both the state and individual casinos. The restrictions were not eased until April 4. The move to open casinos to full capacity is a much-welcomed one. The affected casinos can finally start the recovery process.

Alison Beam, acting secretary of the Department of Health, stated that getting more adults vaccinated is the most effective tip to curb the spread of COVID. Following through with both doses of the vaccines, sanitizing regularly, wearing masks, and social distancing are important especially as people start going back to their favorite Pennsylvania casinos.

The Mask Mandate

According to Governor Wolf, Pennsylvanians should get vaccinated. This way, they can get into casinos and other businesses without having to wear a face mask. He maintains that even though the pandemic seems to be slowing down, masks are still important.

The governor promised to lift the mask mandate if 70 percent of the adult population gets full vaccination. At the moment, slightly over 50 percent of adults in Pennsylvania have received their first vaccination dose. 32 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.

The Long Road Back to Regular Operations

Since casinos were shut down, they have come a long way in the quest to full reopening. The pandemic shuttered the industry for about a third of 2020. On March 12, the first Pennsylvanian casino was closed to curb the spread of the virus. It wasn’t until June 9 that the first casinos were reopened. They were ordered to close down again for a minimum of three weeks on December 12. They were reopened on January 4.

When the casinos were reopened, they couldn’t serve alcohol on the gaming floor. They were also forbidden from offering seating at the bar. These restrictions were eased on April 4. The capacity of casinos was improved from half to 75 percent. Bar service resumed, and it was possible to purchase alcohol along with food. The state lifted the curfew for having alcoholic drinks on tables.

Hope for Pennsylvania Casinos

Pennsylvania has the second-richest gaming industry in the nation. Even after the pandemic, it has continued to do well. Having casinos at full capacity in the middle of the pandemic will help it compete even more effectively.

In 2020, online gambling sites earned about $565.7 million in revenue. The closure of land-based casinos was devastating to them but great for the online sector. The total revenue for table games and slots in 2020 was $1.86 billion. It was a 43 percent drop from 2019.

With vaccines becoming increasing available and most restrictions being lifted, there is hope that guests may start going back to casinos in large numbers.

Many Pennsylvanian players turned to online sites when land-based casinos were closed. Unlike in the past where brick-and mortar properties were the only option, players are bombarded with options online. However, online sites cannot compete with the immersiveness and human touch that land-based casinos in Pennsylvania offer.

Casinos Quickly Regaining Life

Four of Maryland’s six casinos have already returned to full capacity. The state is already earning a higher revenue than it did in 2019. In Nevada, many casinos, have already received clearance to accommodate 80-100 percent of their capacity. They are rebounding much faster than expected.

The casinos in New Jersey and New York have eased their regulations as well. By all indications, the gambling industry in the United State is recovering from the pandemic and all its effects.

As Pennsylvania plans on reopening its casinos to full capacity, it may be fueling the fire to nationwide reopening. The state leaders seem ready to put things back in order. It may be a great time to learn from the past and plan for the future.

Casinos in Atlantic City will be going all in for Memorial Day. When the restrictions are finally lifted, the casinos will record full capacity tables, pools, spas, and bars. Plans for this change are already underway.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or the management of EconoTimes