Massachusetts casinos cleared to reopen this month

Massachusetts casinos have finally been cleared to reopen to the public, albeit under significant operating restrictions.

On Thursday, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) voted to lift the temporary suspension of gaming operations at the state’s casinos and racetracks that was imposed in mid-March due to COVID-19. Casinos can reopen as early as Monday, July 6, but must first submit plans indicating compliance with state-mandated health and safety precautions.

These include keeping a minimum six-foot separation between operating slots positions or installing plexiglass dividers no less than six feet tall between operating slots.

Blackjack tables will also have to feature plexiglass dividers between individual players — no more than three per table — and between players and dealers. For the time being, the MGC won’t permit poker, craps or roulette tables to operate. The restrictions are expected to effectively limit each casino’s individual capacity to around 25% of normal.