Indiana Casinos Still Require Masks In Spite Of State’s Mask Mandate Ending

Last Updated April 13

For now, Indiana’s casinos will maintain their COVID safety protocols.

Now that March Madness has concluded, Gov. Holcomb is beginning to lift the pandemic restrictions.

For instance, the mask mandate in Indiana has now been transformed into a mask advisory.

Even with the rollbacks, for now, you will still need to wear a mask at your local casino.

A mask is still required at Indiana casinos.

In an effort to safeguard Hoosiers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Holcomb implemented a statewide mask mandate last year.

Now that approximately a million residents of Indiana have received their vaccinations, things are beginning to change.

Scrapping the mask mandate puts casinos in a difficult position. They have the option to either defer to local authorities or implement their own regulations.

The latter was chosen by the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC).

The new COVID regulations for casinos set by the IGC will maintain safety precautions at least until May 1.

The commission will reassess things once that date has passed.

Simply put, don’t be shocked if a casino requires you to wear a mask, regardless of whether you need one at the supermarket or a nearby eatery.

Implementing a universal set of rules like this aids in maintaining consistency.

Despite the statewide mandate ending, some local leaders, including Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, are maintaining the mask rule.

Had the IGC not intervened, each casino in the state might have been subject to a unique set of rules implemented by its local government. Thus, a visit to Caesars Southern Indiana could have been vastly different from an experience at Blue Chip Casino.

Even though state level restrictions are becoming more relaxed, anticipate maintaining COVID safety protocols at casinos for at least several more weeks.

Rules for table games in Indiana casinos change

What are the additional safety regulations for Hoosiers at casinos, aside from the mandatory mask requirement?

The new set of rules essentially mirrors the old one.

For instance, each casino will continue to maintain social distancing measures. You will observe that alternate slot machines are marked off to ensure a safe distance between gamblers.

Unless you’re eating, drinking, or smoking, you won’t be able to take off your mask. This is not a new rule for regular casino visitors.

The significant alteration in the new rules primarily affects table games.

Until now, there have been specific limits on the number of people who can simultaneously play table games.

Blackjack can accommodate three players at once, while roulette can have four, and so forth.

The latest rules from the IGC eliminate player caps.

You can now enjoy your preferred table game, but wearing a mask throughout the play is mandatory. This rule applies even when you wish to eat, drink, or smoke.

The new set of rules coming in after May 1 might bring about some changes.

Meanwhile, Hoosiers will be observing COVID safety precautions for at least another month.

Rules can be adjusted by local governments.

Those are the most recent regulations from the gaming commission, but variations can still occur from location to location.

The IGC is permitting local governments to adjust certain safety precautions according to their discretion.

For instance, gamblers entering the Tropicana Evansville building are no longer having their temperatures checked.

At Tropicana, gamblers are now permitted to remove their masks for drinking or smoking while engaging in slot machine play.

Not many casinos have eased restrictions to that extent.

Therefore, even though all casinos must adhere to the new IGC rules, there can still be slight differences between one casino and another.

Certain casinos may relax rules more quickly than others, but everyone will remain subject to the most recent precautions until at least May 5.