Indiana Casino Capacity Now Up To Local Governments

Casinos in Indiana are now required to follow a new set of pandemic safety regulations.

Every month, the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) gives updates on the state’s COVID protocols.

The final set of rules was set to expire on May 1.

The IGC took the lead by releasing the new set of requirements a few days in advance.

At least until June 1, this latest batch will last.

Indiana casino occupancy can be set by local governments.

The new safety regulations allow local governments to determine the number of gamblers that can be in a casino simultaneously.

During the earlier stages of the pandemic, a uniform occupancy level was established for the whole state.

A few months ago, that changed when Indiana began altering regulations according to the county of each casino.

Now, local health departments are solely responsible.

Nonetheless, the IGC still needs some approval for special events.

Casinos will require special permission from the gaming commission if a large crowd is expected to gather.

Casinos must first get approval from the local health department, and then submit it to the IGC for special authorization.

Casinos still require masks

If you intend to visit a casino in Indiana, you will still need your mask.

Earlier this month, Gov. Holcomb relaxed the rule and turned Indiana’s statewide mask requirement into a mask advisory, meaning Indiana no longer mandates masks statewide.

Despite the adjustment, the IGC still mandates the use of masks inside casinos for now.

Those who gamble frequently are likely acquainted with the exceptions to that rule.

If you are actively smoking or drinking at a slot machine, or while seated at a restaurant, you are allowed to remove your mask.

Casinos in Indiana continue to maintain social distancing.

Social distancing rules will continue to be enforced by casinos across the Hoosier State.

To put it differently, don’t be shocked to see every alternate slot machine at your local place being sealed off.

In Indiana, social distancing will continue to be a significant aspect of your casino experience.

That rule does not apply to table games.

The IGC no longer imposes player caps for table games.

Feel free to take a seat at the blackjack table if there’s an open spot, even if it’s right next to another gambler.

For at least the upcoming month, that will remain the situation. However, changes could be on the horizon over the summer.

What are the final set of pandemic rules for Indiana casinos?

The new coronavirus safety guidelines will remain in force until at least June 1.

As that date approaches, the IGC will reevaluate things.

Eventually, the state will receive its final update from the gaming commission.

The final update’s timing will probably rely on the progress of the state’s vaccination efforts.

So far, at least one vaccination dose has been received by over half of Indiana’s population.

If the current rate of soaring numbers persists, the IGC will soon entirely remove the pandemic safety rules.

That rollback might occur in the next month or two, or it could extend until later this fall.

We cannot definitively predict when the requirements will become less stringent, but our next insight into future developments will come when the IGC issues a new set of rules at the end of May.