Casinos across the nation are getting ready to reopen. Businesses and consumers alike are adjusting the setting to the “new normal,” we’re all living today. While the pandemic is under control in some areas, social distancing is still required.
Land-based casinos in several US states have come up with solutions on how to make their regular customers’ gambling experience less risky. However, while some return to brick and mortar casinos, gambling online from the safety of your home is still the best option.
News Highlights
- Some land-based casinos in the US are about to reopen.
- Social distancing and safety measures are being implemented across casino floors.
- Online casinos are still the safest option for gambling.
US Land-Based Casinos to Reopen
Several brick-and-mortar casinos across the US have announced their reopening plans. El Cortez Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and Live! Casino in Maryland are among the list of venues to reopen. They are currently testing out possible safety measures that would enable social distancing and let regular customers play their favorite casino classics.
Coronavirus Safety Protocols
El Cortez Hotel and Casino is testing plexiglass barriers designed by the Vegas-based company Screaming Images. The “sneeze guards” are supposed to be placed in between slot machines and on blackjack tables. These barriers have an opening where players can pass chips through.
Moreover, the casino has placed “social distancing” markers on the ground and around the tables to keep players apart.
However, the Nevada Gaming Control Board has said explicitly that no more than three players at blackjack and no more than six at craps tables are allowed. Therefore, El Cortez announced that they wouldn’t install the barriers until they figure out whether they were the best option.
Social Distancing
Live! Casino shared that it would limit the capacity to 25%-50%, place plexiglass between players on the tables, and disable some slot machines. Also, the casino will sanitize everything from chips to chairs.
All guests and employees would be subject to temperature screening, and no one with a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees would be allowed in. Single-use menus, plates, and utensils would be used in the restaurants, and a hand sanitizer would be given to guests the moment they are seated.
Online Gambling – The Safe Option
We can see that land-based casinos in Las Vegas and other parts of the US are making an effort to adapt to the new normal. Some hardcore regulars will probably return to their spots on the casino floors, but let’s be honest: aren’t online casinos the safer option right now?
On the one hand, as shared by El Cortez Casino and Hotel, some were concerned that the cards could reflect on the plexiglass, and there could be cheating. Although the casino promises that wouldn’t happen, due to the rigid security measures and cameras, there’s no way to know for sure.
Live Dealer Gaming
On the other hand, there is no guarantee that visitors won’t be infected. Is it worth risking your life and your loved ones to play a round or two of blackjack?
You could get a similar casino experience by playing live dealer games online. Online casinos offer all kinds of bonuses and promotions, games, and even rewarding VIP programs.
They provide popular payment options, so whichever you’re using for, say, online shopping, would do for your online casino deposits.
Play at Online Casinos On-the-Go!
What online casinos also offer is the chance for you to play on the go. They are compatible with all desktop and mobile devices, so even if you want to go out and get fresh air at the park, you can play your favorite game while sitting on a bench.
Live dealer games offer you the closest to a land-based casino experience, avoiding the protocols as planned by brick-and-mortar casinos. Even though their safety protocols are justified under these conditions, deciding to play on your mobile or desktop would be the better and wiser option.
