Indiana Casinos Are About To Open: Here’s Everything You Need To Know Before You Go

The reopening date for Indiana casinos has been firmly set for June 15.

That date marks the commencement of the fourth phase of Gov. Eric Holcomb’s “Back on Track” reopening plan.

Following the Fourth of July weekend, Indiana residents will progress to the last phase of the state’s reopening plan. Hence, unless there is a COVID-19 case spike, there will be no restrictions on Indiana businesses.

Four Winds, a tribal casino in South Bend, has already announced plans to reopen next week. Unlike the rest of the state’s brick-and-mortar facilities, Four Winds is not bound by the same rules due to its tribal status.

IGC alters plans for casinos reopening.

The Indiana Gaming Commission’s (IGC) original requirements for casinos to submit detailed reopening plans have been overturned. The new blanket reopening date marks a departure from the previous pace. The commission no longer necessitates these detailed reopening plans from casinos.

Moreover, the IGC is delegating the remaining responsibilities to local governments.

Following Gov. Holcomb’s safe reopening plan for Indiana, commercial casinos in the state are allowed to reopen from 6 a.m. on Monday, June 15. However, local authorities can enforce stricter rules if necessary.

With a date now set, it falls on individual casinos to prepare for their reopening.

Horseshoe Hammond, together with Four Winds, has announced plans to reopen by June 15.

Assuming they can prepare in time, the remaining casinos in the state will reopen on that day.

Casinos in Indiana will open at 50% capacity.

The fact that Indiana casinos aren’t required to submit their reopening plans to the IGC, doesn’t signify the absence of new rules being implemented. Regardless of individual casinos not providing plans, the IGC maintains a set of basic guidelines that must be followed by all casinos prior to reopening.

A requirement restricts the quantity of gamblers permitted in a casino at a given time. Casinos are mandated to maintain their occupancy at 50% capacity from June 15 to July 4. This provides casinos with an opportunity to experiment with new policies, such as social distancing.

However, should casinos struggle to maintain less than 50% capacity, they may need to implement a reservation system. This would allow casinos to accurately track the number of people present.

Health screenings required

As per the updated IGC guidelines, a health screening is mandatory before you can gain entry into an Indiana casino.

Firstly, a swift temperature check will be conducted on you. Entrance is prohibited for anyone with a temperature exceeding 100.4 degrees.

Next, you’ll be required to respond to a few questions provided by the IGC, such as:

• Have you recently had symptoms similar to the flu?
• Have you been in close contact with or cared for someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19?

After you pass the health screening, the greeter will provide you with hand sanitizer for you to enter. This process will be a daily requirement for your visits to an Indiana casino until July 4.

Updated regulations for slot machines and table games

Casinos in Indiana are required to implement social distancing guidelines, resulting in modifications for table games and slot machines.

Most of the slots will either be taped off or completely removed from the floor to help maintain a minimum distance of six feet between gamblers.

The IGC is restricting most table games to a maximum of three players. However, roulette can accommodate up to four players and craps can take up to six. Furthermore, all players at table games are required to wear a mask during play.

Poker and pai gow rooms in casinos may resume operations on July 4, unless there are restrictions imposed by local officials.

Casinos implement new cleaning regulations and face mask requirements

The IGC is allowing each casino to determine their own face mask policies. While some casinos might mandate that both employees and patrons wear masks constantly, others may choose to do the opposite.

Casinos across the Hoosier State will also be required to adhere to enhanced sanitation regulations.

For instance, each new player at games will require the dice to be cleaned. The chips will need disinfection every hour. Moreover, casinos are required to employ at least one cleaner for every 50 gambling spots on the floor. This cleaner will sanitize everything once a player is done.

Moreover, high-contact surfaces such as ATMs and kiosks will undergo sanitization several times daily.

Alterations to smoking, dining establishments, and other services

Smoking inside Indiana casinos will not be permitted until at least July 4. Each casino will establish a designated smoking area that everyone must use for the interim.

Casino-based and independent restaurants are required to function at 75% capacity. Despite being integral to the typical casino experience, buffets will not be available until July 4.

Gamblers must wait until then for the return of drink service on casino floors. Until July 4, night clubs, live events, concerts, and valet service are also unavailable.

But remember, these guidelines are just the basic requirements for reopening casinos in Indiana. For detailed information, contact your preferred casino or keep in touch with Play Indiana for the latest updates.