Once Governor Phil Murphy announced that casinos in Atlantic City could reopen on July 2, operators wasted no time in getting ready to do so. The Ocean Casino Resort has announced they plan on opening back up on that day, issuing enhanced health and safety protocols for guests and employees. The large gaming floor of the casino is a good place to start, as the casino has plenty of room to accommodate the need for social distancing.
Ready to Go
The Ocean Casino Resort is ready to reopen and they only have a few more days to get through before gaming can begin again. Governor Murphy has allowed casinos to reopen in July, but only at 25% capacity. Face masks must also be worn by guests and employees. Additional details regarding the protocols set forth by regulators are expected in the next few days.
Terry Glebocki, the CEO of Ocean Casino Resort, commented that they have worked hard on the property’s health and safety plan. The plan has been in the works for months and Glebocki said they have standing meetings each week and continue to refine the plan to ensure health and safety.
Because specific protocols have not been provided by the state yet, casinos in Atlantic City are implementing protocols they feel are necessary. Of course, they understand that changes may have to be made last minute depending on what guidelines they are given by the state.
According to Ocean Casino senior vice president and chief marketing officer Mike Donovan, as soon as the governor made the announcement that casinos could reopen, guests began trying to book hotel stays.
The Atlantic City casino is fielding up to 4,000 calls a day as they prepare to reopen. The property has already seen a good pace when it comes to bookings for the first weeks in July as people want to get in. This week, executives of the casino hosted a tour and showcased the changes they made that players and employees can expect once the property is up and running once again.
Property Changes
As the Ocean reopens, employees will be screened for a temperature when they enter the building. Anyone with a temperature of 99.4 or higher will not be allowed to work. In the days leading up to the reopening, employees will receive training on new health and safety protocols. The casino does not plan on taking guests temperature at this time but will be prepared to do so if state guidelines require it.
Within the casino, social distancing stickers have been placed on the floor and within elevators. The property has more than 200 hand sanitizing stations. The casino also got creative with signages regarding hand washing, helping to promote good hygiene. One sign reads “A clean hand is a lucky hand”.
The casino has over 1,900 slots on the gaming floor and every other one will be turned off. Chairs at table games have been removed to avoid too many players at one table. Plexiglas dividers have been added to the casino but only in high-volume spaces. This includes the front desk of the hotel and at guest services. The casino is ready to add more if the state requires it.
The value service at the casino will remain closed. The casino plans on offering food and drink trucks in this area with outdoor seating so that players can dine in a more open area. Restaurants will be open inside but of course, subject to the 25% capacity rule.