Atlantic City casinos begin unveiling reopening plans

With Gov. Phil Murphy allowing New Jersey casinos to get back to business next week, at 25% capacity, several Atlantic City entertainment venues have begun announcing their reopening plans. 

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tropicana Casino Resort, Golden Nugget, Ocean Casino Resort and Resorts Casino Hotel all will reopen July 2 – the first day they are permitted to do so. Of those casinos, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was the first to release its COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.

It was followed by Ocean Casino Resort, which has implemented more staff to conduct more cleaning and disinfection of the property. All guests and employees are required to wear face coverings, hand sanitizer stations have been made available, and plexiglass barriers have been installed. All employees will have their temperatures taken upon arrival.

Social distancing will be enforced by limiting slot and table games areas, spreading out lines in public spaces, and reducing capacity in restaurants and bars.

Bally’s, Harrah’s Resort, and Caesars will all open on July 3, and each will require guests and employees to wear face coverings while indoors when not eating or drinking. Employees will have their temperatures screened upon arrival to the casino, and more frequent disinfection and sanitation will take place across all three properties.

Social distancing will also be required at all three entertainment venues. Slot machines have been rearranged and some seats have been removed at table games to enforce such practice. All restaurants and bars will operate at reduced capacities.

“The well-being of our team members and guests is important to us, and we are focused on enhancing our health and safety protocols to provide an enjoyable guest experience that emphasizes social distancing and cleanliness," said Ron Baumann, who serves as President for Caesars Entertainment's Atlantic City region. 

"Whether you plan to visit us on the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk, or enjoy the sophisticated setting of the Marina District, our resorts offer a great travel escape for guests this summer--especially for those living within drive-time of the Jersey Shore, who can visit us on a tank of gas, without the flight.” 

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa was scheduled to reopen to the public on July 6. However, after New Jersey postponed its plans to allow indoor dining at 25% capacity to resume on July 2, Borgata announced that it will not reopen until its restaurants and bars can.

When Borgata does reopen, guests and employees will need to follow strict COVID-19 protocols.

Employees and guests will both be required to wear face coverings while in public spaces. Masks will be provided to those who don’t have them. Workers and customers will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms upon entry and have their temperatures taken.

Social distancing will be enforced with floor markers reminding people to keep six feet apart. Barriers will be implemented where social distancing could be difficult to enforce, such as at many table games.

Hand sanitizer stations will be set up across the casino floor and staffers will conduct increased cleaning of hotel rooms and public spaces.

Some amenities will be limited initially, but the casino said that it plans to open additional venues in the coming weeks and months. Poker and valet parking will not be available and operating hours could vary. 

"When we reopen our doors, we do so with excitement to welcome back our employees and guests, and with an unwavering commitment to their health and safety," Borgata President Melonie Johnson said. "Summer is a special time in Atlantic City, and we look forward to playing a part in offering some much-needed entertainment."

Casinos have been closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic. State officials are expected to unveil additional health and safety guidelines for casinos to follow later this week.