PITTSBURGH — The Pennsylvania Gaming Control board said the COVID-19 pandemic has dealt state casinos an unexpected and unprecedented blow over the last few months. They released a 10-page document, including a long list of what will change when doors open again. For example, everyone – players and staff – must wear masks. No one with a fever will be permitted inside. Hand sanitizing stations will be at the entrance and throughout the building, and floor markings will assist with six-feet distancing. They also released specific changes for gambling, with some of the most noticeable guidelines coming at the slot machines. The control board wants the following changes:
Plexiglass barriers between slot machines a
Removing chairs from certain machines
Disabling some slot machines to create more distance
Sanitizing wipes next to slots
For table games, they want casinos to:
Develop new protocol for sanitizing chips on daily basis
Increase distance between players
Allow no spectators to stand behind players
Sanitize equipment frequently
And the poker rooms would not be allowed to open.
None of these new restrictions can be implemented until the county enters the green phase.