Pennsylvania Casino Industry On the Rise Despite Pandemic-Related Closures The impact of the Covid-19 Lockdown on the Pennsylvania casino industry is to be seen in the coming weeks, when the state’s Gaming Control Board will release figures for 2020’s last quarter. HARRISBURG, Pa, (WHTM) — Six Pennsylvania casinos have been ordered to close all gaming activities by 6 a.m. Tuesday, March 17. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board instructed the closings.

1. Pa Casino Closures Today
2. Tunica Casinos Closure Updates

COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania are at record highs. On Nov. 13, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reported that there were 5,531 new positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 254,387. It is the fourth consecutive day that the state has reported a record number of cases.

Play Pennsylvania asked the PA Department of Health if the rising numbers meant a return to the color-coded phases and possible temporary closures for casinos in Pennsylvania.

A representative responded:

“There is no plan at this time to return to the red, yellow, green mitigation steps and stay-at-home order that occurred in the spring.”

Some tips to slow the spread

The PA Department of Health reiterated that it was very concerned about the increase in cases. The representative said:

“We currently have protections in place, like wearing a mask and limits on large gatherings. Pennsylvanians can stop the spread. It is all of our responsibility to do the right thing. These are things that we can continue to do to stop the spread of COVID-19:

• Teleworking.
• Isolating or quarantining if you test positive or have exposure to someone who has.
• Businesses limiting capacity to 50%.”

More restrictions for Philadelphia?

Of the record number of cases reported on Friday, 1,158 were from Philadelphia. Mayor Jim Kenney’s office did not provide any indication of what its “changes in restrictions” might be and said they are still being finalized. Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley earlier this week said all restrictions are being considered, even a complete lockdown, according to Yahoo! News.

Rivers Casino Philadelphia is currently the only casino within the city limits. Live! Casino Philadelphia is expected to open in early 2021.

Rivers Philadelphia closed in mid-March and reopened on July 17. It experienced the longest closure of all 12 casinos in the commonwealth.

We must do everything we can to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Philadelphia. Specific details are still being finalized, but we plan to announce changes to restrictions on Monday, November 16. https://t.co/fgAPsfbU3P

— Jim #MaskUpPHL Kenney (@PhillyMayor) November 13, 2020

Health and safety protocols at PA casinos

Before you visit a casino in Pennsylvania, there are few things you should know. Your next visit will look different than your previous pre-coronavirus-closure casino excursion. Per the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), all casinos in the state must follow COVID-19 Casino Reopening Protocols, which detail the minimum safety and health-related requirements that are mandatory before reopening.

Key points to remember are:

• Casinos can reopen at 50% capacity.
• Employees and guests must wear masks.
• There are markings on the floor to promote social distancing.
• Enhanced cleaning is required throughout the facility.

Eating, drinking and smoking at PA casinos

In addition to the increased health and safety measures, some staples of casino visits have been put on a temporary pause.

Alcohol can only be served when food is purchased. Drink service on the casino floor is prohibited.

These new rules went into effect well before the November record-breaking numbers.

Under the guidance of the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the PGCB, there is currently no smoking in Pennsylvania casinos either (effective July 3).

Gov. Tom Wolf and Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine signed orders that mandated restaurants can’t serve alcohol for on-site consumption past 11 p.m. (effective Sept 21).

Hours of PA casinos

Casinos in Pennsylvania started to close in mid-March to slow the spread of coronavirus. They were closed for over 100 days before the first few started welcoming back guests in June. However, not all returned to around-the-clock operations.

Casinos in PA open 24 hours:

• Parx
• Presque Isle
• Rivers Casino Philadelphia
• Rivers Casino Pittsburgh (starting Nov. 16)
• Mount Airy Casino
• Wind Creek Casino
• Mohegan Sun Pocono
• Harrah’s Philadelphia

Hours of other casinos in PA

The Meadows:

• Sunday-Thursday, 8-4 a.m.
• Friday-Saturday, 8-5 a.m.

Valley Forge Casino :

• Monday-Thursday, 10-3 a.m. Open 24 hours, 10 a.m. Friday through 3 a.m. Monday.

Hollywood Casino:

• Closed daily from 4 to 8 a.m. for deep cleaning.

Lady Luck Nemacolin:

• Open 24 hours for slot gaming
• Table games hours:
  Monday-Friday, 3-12 a.m.
  Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m.-12 a.m.

1% of casino employees test positive

The PGCB released figures last week that showed that fewer than 1% of casinos employees have tested positive for COVID-19 since the 12 brick-and-mortar locations opened in June. Rivers Pittsburgh had 28 cases and Parx had 25. A full breakdown can be found here.

Online casinos in PA

If you are 21+ and physically located in Pennsylvania, you don’t even have to leave your home to play. There are now 11 online casinos in Pennsylvania. Things got even livelier this week as Caesars and FanDuellaunched online live dealer games.

Lead image credit: AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

Pennsylvania’s casinos provide the latest gaming machines and tables, plus possible access to on-site racing venues for additional betting. Many casinos are also entertainment hubs that offer access to concert and show venues and a wealth of exquisite dining options.

Try your luck at one of the 12 Pennsylvania casinos below, where you’ll be sure to pocket many fond memories, if not loads of winnings.

1. Harrah’s Philadelphia

Chester

Catch live harness-racing action at Harrah’s Philadelphia or watch races that are broadcasted live daily from major tracks in their indoor waging area. Meanwhile, the casino features more than 2,000 slots, video poker machines and a variety of table games.

2. Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course

Grantville

Hollywood is the theme at this casino, the only gaming and racing facility in central Pennsylvania. Try your luck at more than 2,400 slot machines and 56 table games, or snag a box seat at the track where live races takes place Wednesday—Saturday at 6pm.

3. Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin

Farmington

Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin is a small casino situated at the lovely Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, which offers shuttles to and from the casino 24/7. Featuring nearly 600 slot machines, 29 table games, including roulette, craps and blackjack, Lady Luck is an understated hideaway for slots lovers.

4. The Meadows Racetrack & Casino

Washington

The Meadows supplies year-round harness racing and more than 3,000 slot machines, 65 table games and a variety of entertainment options, including a 24-lane bowling alley and live entertainment at Headliners, a venue that hosts local and national performing artists. Whether you’re in the mood for casual food court dining, trackside eats, or surf and turf from an award-winning steakhouse, The Meadows has a variety of dining options to satisfy your palate.

5. Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs

A $208 million renovation effort dramatically transformed Pocano Downs into not only Pennsylvania's first casino, but the area's leading enterntainment complex. With 82,000 square feet of gaming space holding 2,300 slot machines, 90 table games and a 218-room, 20-suite hotel, Pocono Downs offers countless opportunities for gaming fun. The hotel and entertainment center’s unique architecture is inspired by the landscape, flora, wildlife, natural resources and personality of the Susquehanna River Valley.

6. Mount Airy Casino Resort

Mount Pocono

Mount Airy Casino has a wide variety of attractions, including an 18-hole championship golf course with 6,500 yards of manicured greens, a luxurious spa and salon, and an impressive 51,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor pool. Gamers love the 1,800 slot machines and 70 table games. Try The Buffet for the great sampling of gourmet dishes, including carving, salad, seafood and dessert stations.

7. Parx Casino and Racetrack

Bensalem

Parx Casino and Parx East, adjacent properties located 20 minutes away from Philadelphia’s Center City, feature more than 3,330 slot machines, 100 live gaming tables, plus live and simulcast racing action. Sports lovers should spend time at Jax, a sports bar featuring more than 48 poker tables, and Chickie & Pete’s, an interactive sports bar and crab house.

8. Presque Isle Downs & Casino

More than 1,700 slot machines light up this casino and racetrack. Presque Isle Downs & Casino offers shuttle that runs 24/7 to the Baymont Hotel across the street, so visitors can stay and play. Don’t miss live music on Friday and Saturday evenings at the Downs Clubhouse & Lounge and the Sunday champagne breakfast buffet.

9. Rivers Casino

Rivers Casino offers 3,000 slot machines, more than 100 tablegames and a 30-table poker room on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. The casino has five restaurants to choose from including Andrew’s Steak and Seafood, named after important Pittsburg natives named Andrew such as Carnegie, Mellon and Warhol.

10. Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem

Sands Bethlehem, located on the former site of the historic Bethlehem Steel plant, is home to 3,000 slot machines, 200 table games and a variety of dining, shopping and entertainment options. Shop at The Outlets at the Sands Bethlehem, check out the event center’s show schedule or dine at one of the resort’s 10 restaurants, including Steelworks Buffet & Grill and Emeril’s Chop House.

11. Sugar House Casino

Located on the site of a vacant sugar refinery on the Delaware River, the casino has more than 1,900 slot machines and 103 table games. Dine on the waterfront at The Refinery, where delicious American cuisine collides with live music and gorgeous views. The casino provides free transportation via its Sugar Express trolley from more than 24 Philadelphia locations.

12. Valley Forge Casino and Resort

Pa Casino Closures Today

King of Prussia

Tunica Casinos Closure Updates

Valley Forge Casino and Resort has 600 slot machines, 50 live gaming tables and 485 guestrooms and suites. Plan to spend the night at the resort, where visitors can also hang out at an outdoor garden pool with views of Valley Forge National Historical Park, ride a mechanical bull at Deuces wild Buck’ Bull Saloon and chow down at eight different fine dining and casual restaurants.