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The state’s busiest casino will enforce mandatory mask-wearing along with several other safety measures as it awaits a reopening date.
The downtown Detroit casino, MGM Grand Detroit, showcased its renovated casino floor on Thursday. The new design includes plexiglass barriers and a 40% decrease in slot machine capacity. WDIV-TV had an exclusive tour of the updated facility.
Earlier this week, MGM Resorts International, the parent company of the Detroit casino, revealed a nationwide mask mandate, which is an additional measure to their previously announced seven-point safety plan.
Earlier, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer expressed her desire for the three Detroit casinos to resume operations by the Fourth of July. However, she recently stated that the state is not yet prepared for their reopening.
After the launch of Michigan sports betting, Detroit’s casinos shut down on March 16th, just five days later.
Smoking situation solved by MGM parent company
There was some controversy this month when David Tsai, the COO and President of MGM Midwest, spoke to the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB).
Despite the temporary ban on smoking on Detroit’s casino floors by the gaming board, MGM permitted smoking in an indoor area adjacent to the casino floor.
Board member Barbara Smith questioned Tsai about the specifics, prompting him to explain that the expansive indoor smoking area was equipped with a separate ventilation system to prevent air circulation to the main casino floor.
In contrast, MGM’s recent announcement states that smoking inside the casino will be prohibited, but permitted in the adjoining outdoor area.
In an interview with WDIV, Tsai expressed his viewpoint that mandating masks, but permitting customers to take them off indoors for smoking, seemed contradictory.
Plexiglass, social distancing among major changes
As soon as customers arrive, they will immediately observe the changes with infrared temperature screenings at the entrance. Prior to entering the casino floor, customers in line will be separated by airport-style rope lanes, ensuring social distancing.
According to Tsai, a significant number of slot machines at MGM will be deactivated. Approximately 40% of the machines will remain operational, with an average of two machines functioning per row.
Every alternate table game will be closed as well, while the open ones will have plexiglass barriers installed to separate players from dealers.
Dice and chips will be regularly sanitized by workers, while menus at restaurants now include QR codes.
MGM additionally provided hand sanitizer across the floor and incorporated a dedicated hand-washing station.
MGM added to state guidelines for Detroit casinos
This month, the MGCB has released its minimum guidelines for reopening, which include a restriction on legal capacity to a maximum of 15%.
The casinos have the lowest capacity threshold among all industries in the state, with a mandated 15% limit.
According to Tsai, Detroit residents are currently visiting tribal casinos in Michigan as well as casinos in Ohio and Indiana, which do not enforce the same level of requirements as we do.
Greektown Casino-Hotel, MGM, and MotorCity Casino have committed to complying with the current requirements, which may be relaxed in the future.
There are additional guidelines as well:
- There are only a few designated entry points where individuals can enter, and temperature screenings are conducted at each of these points.
- Smoking is prohibited on the casino floors.
- There are no poker rooms available.
- Enhanced cleaning procedures
- Requirements for social distancing
Detroit trio among state’s only closed casinos
Four of Michigan’s 26 casinos, including Detroit’s trio, have yet to announce a specific date for reopening.
Twenty tribal casinos have already reopened, with an additional two set to reopen next week.
Ojibwa Casinos in the Upper Peninsula are set to reopen on different days, with the Baraga location opening on Monday and the Marquette location opening on Wednesday.
Following that, the only tribal casino in the state that remains closed is Kings Club Casino in Brimley. On the other hand, Bay Mills Resort & Casino, the second casino operated by the Bay Mills Indian Community located in the same town, has already reopened.
Whitmer has suggested that a potential reopening date for the Detroit casinos may be announced in the upcoming week.
According to Tsai, the hotel of MGM will open approximately one month later than the casino.
Michigan, local governments missing casino funds
According to an analysis conducted by Playinmichigan, Michigan casinos being closed resulted in a loss of almost $100 million in state and local tax revenue through May.
This is excluding the revenue generated by the 12 Native American tribes that are federally recognized in the state.
There has been a slight increase in coronavirus cases recently, following a consistent decrease. Thursday’s report of 353 new cases is the highest recorded since late May.
On Thursday, Whitmer declared that professional sports in Michigan can recommence without any spectators in attendance.
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