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The COVID-19 pandemic shut down casinos across the state for almost two months, but LuAnn Pappas, CEO of the Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort said she didn’t expect it to be that long.
From what she can see, customers are eager to return, too.
“Based on the bookings into our hotel, it’s been received very well,” Pappas said. “People are just excited to try to have some normalcy in their life.”
Some things will seem normal, but others won’t.
Pappas is discouraging people 65 and older, and those with chronic health problems, from entering the casino, because public health experts say they’re most vulnerable to the virus.
Staff will check guests’ temperatures before they enter, and they’ll only allow half the usual capacity inside.
Casino staff also will wear masks and make sure visitors maintain safe distance from each other.
About 16,000 people work the games, prepare and serve food and drinks and provide security at Mississippi’s casinos.
Larry Gregory is the executive director of the Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association, and said it will be good for the state’s economy for casinos to open.
“We saw over 24 million visitors visiting our state, most of them heading into a casino,” Gregory said. “Then you’re looking at hotel stays, food, restaurants, gas, then the shopping. It’s been a huge impact since March 16th when we closed our doors.
Hand sanitizer will also be available in casinos.
