Rhode Island Casinos Reopen with New Safety Measures
In an encouraging sign of recovery and adaptation, Rhode Island’s Twin River Casino Hotel in Lincoln and Tiverton Casino Hotel have swung open their doors to the public once again, following a prolonged closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. This strategic move into what is being termed as Phase One, marks a cautious yet hopeful step towards normalcy in the gaming and entertainment sector on the East Coast.
Rhode Island’s Twin River Casino Hotel in Lincoln and Tiverton Casino Hotel, now operated by Bally’s Corporation, originally reopened in 2020 with invitation-only access and 25% capacity limits during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the pandemic’s curve slowly flattening, the state’s approach to reopening has been both methodical and safety-centric. In a bid to manage crowd size and ensure social distancing, entry into both casinos is currently by invitation only, with each invitee allowed a single guest. This controlled strategy ensures that the capacity remains capped at 25 percent of the maximum allowable occupancy as per fire safety codes.
What’s New in the Casinos?
Visitors returning to these entertainment hubs will notice several significant changes aimed at safeguarding their health. Slot machines have been rearranged to maintain a minimum six-feet distance between players, aligning with social distancing guidelines. Additionally, stadium gaming or virtual table games are now available, albeit with reduced seating to prevent crowding.
However, it’s not business as usual just yet. Several amenities and services including the sportsbooks (operated by William Hill), hotels, fitness centers, traditional table games, race book, event centers, valet services, live entertainment, and dining venues will remain closed during this initial reopening phase.
Patti Doyle, a spokesperson for Twin River Casino in Lincoln, elaborated on the reopening strategy, emphasizing collaboration with state regulators, the Governor’s office, and the Department of Health to align with or surpass all established safety protocols. “We’re excited to welcome back our guests, albeit in a highly limited capacity. Our priority is to ensure that both our employees and visitors feel safe and relaxed within our premises,” she stated.
The Sports Betting Landscape in Rhode Island
The path to reopening was not without its legal hurdles, particularly concerning the state’s sports betting operations. A notable incident occurred when Daniel Harrop, a Republican activist, challenged the legality of sports betting at the state’s casinos and through online platforms, arguing it violated the state Constitution due to the lack of voter approval.
The contention was put to rest by Judge Brian Stern, who sided with the Democratic Governor Gina Raimondo’s administration. The administration’s stance was that voter approval for table games at Twin River’s Tiverton casino implicitly covered sports betting under the umbrella of casino gaming, a perspective upheld by the court.
Despite these legal affirmations, the sports betting revenue witnessed a dramatic decline, attributed to the mandatory in-person registration for mobile betting accounts and the temporary closure of casinos. With these venues closed since March 14, no new online betting accounts could be created, severely limiting new customer acquisition.
Doyle reassured that while the sportsbooks remain closed during this initial phase, the team is actively exploring innovative ways to safely reintroduce these offerings to the public. This commitment to adapting and overcoming current challenges underscores the resilience and forward-thinking of Rhode Island’s gaming industry.
As Rhode Island casinos reopen, the journey towards a new normal in the gaming and entertainment industry begins, promising a blend of excitement and safety for all involved.