On Friday morning, Caesars Entertainment was up and running in Atlantic City. The Harrah’s Casino, Bally’s and Caesars reopened in time for the Fourth of July weekend, ready to begin bringing in revenues once again. The casinos had been closed since mid-March due to the coronavirus outbreak. Visitors were ready to enter the Caesar’s properties but were surprised to find that sports betting was not an option. The operator decided to keep the sportsbooks closed, at least for now.
Caesars Safety Measures
Visitors to any of the Caesars properties in Atlantic City were asked questions before they were allowed to enter. The Division of Gaming Enforcement set this requirement as well as the state. Once guests reached the casino floor, there were modifications found regarding social distancing measures and hygiene needs.
Some slot machines were inactive to place more space between players as they spin. Table games had plexiglass partitions added to promote social distancing among players and the dealer at the table. The elevators of the properties were also limited, allowing only a certain number of guests per lift.
Upon reopening, Caesars Entertainment Atlantic City regional president Ron Baumann commented that the health and safety protocols are at the forefront of the company’s signature brand of hospitality. This is considered first, while also continuing to provide a fun and enjoyable experience for visitors.
Visitors who came to Caesars properties for sports betting would have to look elsewhere. Sports betting fans were not expecting the sportsbooks to be closed but they are. The sportsbooks at Harrah’s and Bally’s will remained closed until professional sports are back in action. The NBA, MLB and NHL will start their seasons soon, so it is expected that the books will be back to business in no time.
According to Baumann, if the NBA and NHL stick to the plans announced for restarting, then the books will be back in action by the end of the month. While there is no land-based sports betting options available from the brand, Caesars is still offering online sports betting.
What About Dining Options?
Just before New Jersey got back to business in the gaming industry, Governor Phil Murphy threw a curveball. He did not allow venues to offer indoor dining. For Caesars, they just decided to replace the indoor options with outside meal choices. The Caesars properties chose to allow some food venues to offer takeout. Caesars also decided to offer rooftop dining, so that visitors will have some options when it comes to food.
Drink service has also been suspended in the casinos of Atlantic City, at least for now, due to the governor’s order. It was quite odd for visitors to be on the gaming floor of the Caesars properties and not see cocktail servers providing drinks.
Overall, the Atlantic City area is back in action when it comes to gambling, at least in some capacity. We shall see over the coming weeks if any restrictions are lifted to allow for more amenities to be provided. Perhaps, the situation may change involving the coronavirus, where more limitations are put in place. It is really a guessing game and all dependent on how the virus continues to play out in the state.