Encore Boston Harbor Casino Announces It Will Reopen On July 12
EVERETT (CBS) -- The Encore Boston Harbor resort casino has announced it will reopen on Sunday, July 12, pending approval from state regulators. Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker on Thursday gave the green light for casinos and other Phase 3 businesses to begin reopening next week.
Massachusetts casinos have been closed since mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic. It will be a very different experience for casinogoers when they reopen.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is prohibiting some table games like poker, craps and roulette and capping blackjack at three players. Slot machines will be spaced out to encourage social distancing and gamblers will not be allowed to walk around with drinks.
Encore said it will be doing temperature scans of all guests and workers and turning away anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher. Face masks will be required for everyone, and there will be enhanced cleaning as well as hand sanitizer stations around the resort.
"Every effort has been made to preserve Encore's luxury experience and provide guests with the peace of mind needed to enjoy a fun and relaxing return," Encore said in a statement.
Encore announced earlier this week it was furloughing about 3,000 workers as it prepares for the limited opening.
MGM Springfield plans to reopen Monday, July 13. Plainridge Park Casino, the state's only slot parlor, announced it will be reopening on Wednesday, July 8.
