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After the reopening of Detroit casinos, there will be a temporary ban on smoking on the casino floors. However, a regulator is advocating for a permanent policy of having smokers outside.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the three commercial casinos in Detroit have remained closed since March 16. Although no specific dates have been announced for their reopening, six additional tribal casinos in Michigan have resumed operations today.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board has issued guidelines stating that smoking will be temporarily prohibited on casino floors when they reopen, potentially even before the Fourth of July.
Nevertheless, Barbara Smith, a board member, raises doubts about the permissibility of smoking at Greektown Casino-Hotel, MGM Grand Detroit, and MotorCity Casino in the future.
“At Monday’s meeting, Smith expressed that having it outdoors would present a fantastic opportunity.”
After the reopening guidelines were approved, Smith expressed her concern about smoking on Detroit’s casino floors. Chairman Robert Anthony proposed that the board revisit the matter during the August meeting.
Other reopening guidelines
The board’s guidelines will be reassessed upon reopening, according to MGCB Executive Director Richard Kalm, who detailed the reopening guidelines before Monday’s vote. Kalm also mentioned that the reopening plans of the state-regulated Detroit casinos already comply with the board’s guidelines.
The board also includes other parameters that are passed.
- The maximum capacity allowed at each casino is limited to 15%.
- Entrance points are restricted and temperature checks are conducted.
- There are no poker rooms available.
- Increased cleaning procedures.
- Requirements for social distancing.
Customers are not required to wear masks according to the guidelines.
MGM Grand will allow smoking inside, off casino floor
MGM Grand Detroit President and COO, David Tsai, provided an explanation on how his establishment intends to address smoking after the matter was raised by Smith.
Tsai mentioned that customers could smoke in a spacious indoor area, distinct from the casino floor, which was possibly referring to the previous V Nightclub, and accessible through separate doors.
According to Tsai, the air circulation between the indoor area and the casino floor is not smooth, but there is an adjoining outdoor space.
Tsai explained that the absence of a designated outdoor space for smoking in our casino is due to the building’s layout, which makes it challenging to regulate access. He further added that the building has its ventilation system, which does not allow for proper circulation of air.
However, you would technically be indoors, physically distanced from the casino floor.
According to Tsai, smokers will maintain social distancing in the indoor area, where the ceilings reach approximately 25- to 30-feet in height.
According to John Drake, Greektown’s general manager, the casino intends to incorporate an outdoor area dedicated to smokers.
Bruce Dall, the president of MotorCity, refrained from providing specific information regarding the smoking policies at his facility.
Michigan casinos among only indoor spots left to smoke
In 2010, Michigan implemented a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants; however, the Detroit casinos, cigar bars, and tobacco specialty retail stores were granted exemptions.
Currently, several temporary bans are in effect, but typically, Michigan’s 23 tribal casinos permit smoking throughout the state.
The banning of indoor smoking at FireKeepers Casino in Battle Creek necessitates customers to exit the casino floor and undergo a security procedure, which includes a temperature check, before re-entering.
“I am pleasantly surprised by the progress we have made so far,” stated Kathy George, the CEO of FireKeepers, during an Innovation Group webinar on Thursday. “Now, let’s observe how things unfold moving forward.”
No smoking, for now
FireKeepers and a number of other Michigan tribal casinos have implemented a mandatory mask policy and temporarily suspended indoor smoking. These establishments include:
- The Brimley-based establishment known as Bay Mills Casino
- There are a total of three Four Winds Casinos located in the southwest region of Michigan.
- The Harris Island Resort and Casino
- Peshawbestown is home to the renowned Leelanau Sands Casino.
- The Odawa Casinos located in Mackinaw City and Petoskey
- The casino located in Mount Pleasant is known as Soaring Eagle Casino.
- Standish is home to the renowned Saganing Eagles Landing Casino.
Indoor smoking areas have been designated in these tribal casinos.
- Wayland’s Gun Lake Casino
- Today marks the grand opening of five Kewadin Casinos locations situated in the Upper Peninsula.
- Manistee is home to the renowned Little River Casino.
- Watersmeet’s premier destination for gaming and entertainment is the Northern Waters Casino Resort.
- Williamsburg’s Turtle Creek Casino
The reopening guidelines for the Ojibwa Casinos in Baraga and Marquette have not been disclosed yet. However, both casinos intend to resume operations next month. On the other hand, Kings Club Casino, located just 2 miles away from Bay Mills in Brimley, remains closed indefinitely.
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