Massachusetts Gaming Commission approves 25% capacity limits for casinos

Governor Charlie Baker imposes new restrictions on surge eradication in Covid-19 cases and prevents a complete lockout.

Meetings during the holiday season can lead to an increase in new cases

Number of customers allowed at two other casinos MGM Springfield i Massachusetts will be limited to 25%, ruled Tuesday that the state Gaming Commission . The new restrictions are in response to an increase in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations, with fears that the situation will worsen after the holidays.

The last order of the Commission shall enter into force 26 December and imposes temporary additional capacity restrictions on statewide Covid-19 safety regulations. The requirements will remain in effect until at least January 10, 2021, Unless they are extended and reduce the maximum capacity of casinos from 40% previously to 25% present. The formula for occupancy remains the same as in the game guidelines with June 23, 2020, And employees and workers are included in occupancy calculations.

At a press conference at the State House Governor Charlie Baker he said:

"We would like the next few weeks, from Christmas to the week after New Year, to be spent as regularly as possible with only those they live with. And if you need to go out and do something, go out, do it and come home."

Gaming sites are going through tough times

The number of newly confirmed Covid-19 deaths increased in Monday o 41, while the number of newly reported cases of the virus increased by more than 3700 .

Two of the three casinos in the state are operated by Las Vegas-based companies. Encore Boston Harbor in Everett is managed by Wynn Resorts and MGM Springfield in western Massachusetts is served by MGM Resorts International . Penn National Gaming, based in Pennsylvania, operates Plainridge Park the third casino in the state.

In addition, gaming concessionaires should develop a communication plan to ensure that 25% occupancy limits are met in an efficient, safe, and orderly manner, especially in cases where the occupancy limit has been reached and additional guests may seek entry to the gaming venue.

Massachusetts casinos and the state's monthly gaming taxes saw a sharp drop in revenue in November in the first month that three casinos had to comply with a 9:30 p.m. curfew.Last month, Plainridge Park Casino, MGM Springfield and Encore Boston Harbor reported a total of $45.45 million gross gaming revenue, a decrease of approximately 34% z $68.73 million w October.