Posted on: August 19, 2020, 04:49h.
Last updated on: August 19, 2020, 05:25h.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s (MGC) decision to delay once again offering table games such as craps and roulette at gaming properties will have a “negative … impact on Encore Boston Harbor,” according to a New England gambling expert.
When asked for comment on the MGC’s recent determination, the Rev. Richard McGowan, a finance professor at Boston College, told Casino.org that, “For a casino like Encore Boston Harbor, where over 50 percent of its revenue is [from] table games, the effect will be devastating.
It will be a much different experience. Patrons who play table games will probably not want to play slots,” McGowan predicted.
Massachusetts casinos reopened last month, with slots in operation again after months of closure because of the coronavirus pandemic. The MGC recently chose not to permit craps and roulette despite requests from the MGM Springfield and Encore Boston Harbor. Blackjack is currently permitted at gaming properties.
Limiting casino games relates to the need to prevent the spread of the virus, McGowan said. As of Wednesday, (August 19) Massachusetts health officials said the statewide death toll from coronavirus is now at 8,645. There have been 115,048 COVID-19 confirmed cases.
“It is easier to keep social distance with slot machines,” McGowan told Casino.org. “You can put up barriers between machines, and only allow a certain number of slots to be operating.
As for games such as … roulette, etc., by the very nature of the game you need to be close to other patrons,” McGowan said. “Putting up barriers between them would be very difficult and change the nature of the game and experience.”
He also pointed out that “If patrons came down with COVID-19 playing table games … would certainly put an end to casino play in general. If schools cannot open safely, why would one think that a casino can open safely?”
Last week, MGC commissioners “determined that in light of the current public health metrics in the Commonwealth and recent actions taken by the [Gov. Charlie] Baker-[Lt. Gov. Karyn] Polito Administration to continue to try to flatten the curve of COVID-19 …, they were not yet ready to vote on the proposals brought forth by MGM Springfield and Encore Boston Harbor with respect to craps and roulette,” MGC spokeswoman Sarah Magazine told Casino.org.
More Casino Offerings Not Prudent
“At this juncture, it just wouldn’t be prudent to expand the options right now,” MGC Chairwoman Cathy Judd-Stein said in explaining the commission’s decision. “We’ll always be monitoring the public health metrics.”
Sarah Magazine further told Casino.org, “The MGC’s IEB [Investigations and Enforcement Bureau] … is continuing to review whether the safety measures suggested by the licensees, which take into account the mechanics of the players and casino personnel, can be implemented without affecting the integrity of those games.”
The state’s casinos “have not requested” that poker “be allowed at this time,” Magazine added. “The MGC is committed to working collaboratively with the licensees to determine the appropriate time to expand their offerings, while taking into account the public health metrics in Massachusetts.”
Reopening Rules
Under the state’s reopening policy, table games are restricted to only three players. Players must cover faces with a mask or other coverings while on the gaming floor.
Any person entering a casino must have their temperature taken. Hand sanitizer is provided at all entrances. Signs encourage workers and guests to use the sanitizer before entering the venue.
There is also a four-foot gap between each slot machine, and plexiglass dividers situated at table games. Drinks can only be consumed while guests are seated. Visitors cannot walk around the casino floor with drinks.
Initially, MGM Springfield, along with Encore Boston Harbor and Plainridge Park, were ordered to close by the state on March 15.