In keeping with a mandate issued by the state, the Commission extended temporary closures of the state’s three casino properties on April 3 until May 4. We will revisit operational status before May 4 as we continue to take our lead from the Baker-Polito Administration and public health officials. They are providing guidance based on their assessment of critical health benchmarks.

At this time, we are unable to provide a definitive timeline for the safe resumption of operations; however, we are fully engaged with our licensees in preparation for a “new normal” and the myriad of considerations for a safe and sustainable re-opening process. What we do know for sure is it will not be as simple as unlocking the doors and turning the lights back on.

Countless organizations around the globe are devising plans for post-pandemic procedures. These are uncharted waters. I appreciate that Wynn, MGM and Penn National have been industry leaders in this discussion, engaging top public health experts to establish best practices and preparing plans to ensure that patrons and employees feel safe.

Recently, Wynn CEO Matt Maddox issued a 23-page report that detailed a health and sanitation program for the Vegas properties. It outlined many critical issues, including physical distancing, meticulous cleaning procedures, PPE for guests and staff, reduced occupancy, and so forth. As MGM and Penn have also publicly noted, these plans for all of the properties continue to evolve as new information and data become available. These plans will vary from state to state and will unroll at various stages.  When the time is right, the Commission and our licensees will have the benefit of lessons learned, along with strong, data-driven state and local leadership.

I think it is also worth noting that these plans will require a robust public education campaign for customers and employees. Right now, the focus remains on staying home to stop the spread and flatten the curve, but as we look toward the next phase, whenever that may be, there will be no shortage of logistics to consider.

I appreciate our licensees continued commitment to health and safety.

And to all on the frontline – our dedicated medical personnel and all those supporting their efforts as well as those ensuring our supply line – we again express our gratitude.  To the MGC team, thank you for your continued, meaningful engagement and thank you for doing your part by staying home.

Commission votes from April 23 public meeting:

VOTE: Commission voted unanimously 5-0 via roll call to approve a request from MGM Springfield and Encore Boston Harbor to delay the launch of the play management system PlayMyWay from September 1, 2020 until September 1, 2021. The licensees jointly requested the delay, citing a need to postpone capital expenditure projects due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the resulting suspension of operations.

VOTE: The Commission voted unanimously 5-0 via roll call to approve a request from the Division of Licensing to allow grace periods in 30-day increments for casino employees and vendors whose license or registration will expire during the closure of the casinos.  The licensing division will engage with MGC’s LMS vendor to develop system functionality, allowing licenses to remain active for 30 days.

The grace period allows the employee to remain in compliance and return to work when the casinos re-open.  Without the grace period, the employee’s license or registration would expire and would prevent the employee from returning to work.  The employee will be required to file a license renewal upon return.

The April 23 Meeting Archive is available here.