Nightly closures ordered for Massachusetts casinos
New COVID-19 restrictions in Massachusetts will require the state’s three casinos to close nightly by 9:30 p.m., the Massachusetts Gaming Commission ordered Thursday.
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker earlier this week approved a series of new restrictions to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The commission voted to add the nightly restrictions for casino properties in Springfield, Plainridge Park and Everett.
In a memorandum to the commission, representatives of Encore Boston Harbor, operated by Wynn Resorts Ltd., said they would close their doors at 9 p.m., Friday, and reopen at 9 a.m. the next day until further notice. Patrons won’t be able to enter the casino after 8:30 p.m. The company also announced that it is temporarily closing the resort’s hotel.
“Encore Boston Harbor supports and will adhere to the additional directives put forth by the Commonwealth aimed to reduce the ongoing risk to public health,” the company said in a statement. “As a result, we are analyzing the impacts of the directives on our resort operations and will adjust accordingly to be in compliance.”
MGM Springfield in western Massachusetts indicated it would close daily at 9:30 p.m., and reopen at 10 a.m., the next day beginning Friday. It, too, will temporarily close its hotel.
“We are evaluating the impacts on operations,” the company said in a statement. “We are in this together and remain committed to the health and safety of our guests, employees and the overall wellbeing of the state.”
The closure order applies to all retailers, restaurants, private clubs and caterers with operations within the casino.
There is no indication how long the closure order will be in place.
Contact Richard N. Velotta at rvelotta@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3893. Follow @RickVelotta on Twitter.
