PA casinos were allowed to re-open as of Jan. 4 after a short closure period, and most did in fact re-open that day or in subsequent days. River Casino Philadelphia remains closed at least untill Jan. Updates From PlayPennsylvania here. Rhode Island casinos. The two Rhode Island casinos, Twin River Casino in Lincoln and Tiverton, re-opened. Mar 13, 2020 Pennsylvania casinos have been closed for over two months. This week began to offer some signs on how the twelve casinos can prepare to reopen. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board released “COVID-19 Casino Reopening Protocols.” It details the minimum safety and health-related requirements mandatory before reopening. Rivers Casino Philadelphia is closing voluntarily today, Sunday, March 15, and it will remain closed for 14 days. At the same time, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto has been considering a state of emergency that would effectively let the local authorities ban gatherings. Rivers Casino Philadelphia already closed on Nov. 20 on orders from the City of Philadelphia. All casinos were initially ordered closed in March due to the virus. They had a phased reopening after being closed for months. Casinos newly reordered to close. Pennsylvania’s casinos provide the latest gaming machines and tables, plus possible access to on-site racing venues for additional betting. Many casinos are also entertainment hubs that offer access to concert and show venues and a wealth of exquisite dining options. Try your luck at one of the 12 Pennsylvania casinos below, where you’ll be sure to pocket many fond memories, if not loads.
Statement by tony frabbiele, vice president & general manager, on the reopening of the meadows casino racetrack hotel
Social Distancing
- We will limit capacity on our gaming floor to no more than 50% of our maximum occupancy.
- The installation of floor decals and signage to strictly enforce social distancing guidelines in areas where lines typically form.
- Table game seating will be limited, and slot machines will be configured to meet social distancing requirements.
- The poker room is closed.
- Live music, entertainment, convention, and banquet services will remain suspended.
- There will be no large drawings, tournaments, or special events.
- The Eatery and Bistecca are open.
- The valet will remain closed.
- Live Racing is scheduled to resume on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, all 12:45 p.m. start times. Simulcast cashiers are available seven days a week noon to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to midnight.
- Meadows Lanes has reopened.
Health & Safety
- Team members and vendors will be required to wear masks and will undergo a health screening each day, including temperature checks, prior to their shift.
- By executive order from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, we have placed a ban on all smoking indoors. We have designated and socially distanced smoking areas outside towards the main and south entrance.
- Guests will be required to wear masks prior to entry.
- Slot machines and table games will be thoroughly and regularly cleaned throughout the day.
- Sanitizer stations will be installed on the casino floor and be readily available throughout the facility.
- We will deploy a fog machine to disinfect and sanitize the property every night.
Casino
SUNDAY: 8 a.m. – 4 a.m.
MONDAY: 8 a.m. – 4 a.m.
TUESDAY: 8 a.m. – 4 a.m.
WEDNESDAY: 8 a.m. – 4 a.m.
THURSDAY: 8 a.m. – 4 a.m.
FRIDAY: 8 a.m. – 5 a.m.
SATURDAY: 8 a.m. – 5 a.m.
The casino is closed each day in order to deep clean and sanitize.
Every other slot machine is disabled.
Table games seating will be limited. The process of some of the games may be altered to limit contact of chips, cards and cash.
The Poker Room is temporarily closed.
The Sportsbook is open. The Sportsbook counter will be open Sunday – Thursday from 8 a.m. – 4 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. – 5 a.m. The self-betting kiosks will be available during casino hours daily.
Smoking will be permitted in designated sections on the casino floor. There will be no smoking permitted at Table Games.
Club Elite and Owners is opened with limited weekend hours.
Valet service will be unavailable for all guests.
Masks
All guests and Team Members will be required to wear masks.
Guests may be asked to remove any headwear/hats and temporarily pull down their masks so their identify can be confirmed as they pass through security.
Smoking is prohibited inside the building. There are designated smoking areas outside.Promotions
Some limited promotions will resume. Eligible guests may receive free play offers.
We will be transitioning to contactless communication. Make sure you have a valid email address with us for your mychoice account.
Bars & Restaurants
THE EATERY
Joe & Dough:
Friday & Saturday: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m – 5 p.m.
Classic:
Sunday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 a.m.
Friday & Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 a.m.
Mercato:
Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – Midnight
Zen:
Friday & Saturday: 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
2Ten Drafthouse:
Daily: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Bistecca:
Sunday – Thursday: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 4 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Entertainment
Pa Casino Closed Point
All live entertainment at the H Lounge is suspended at this time.
All shows at the Event Center have been canceled or postponed. Refunds will be issued for canceled events at the point of purchase. Tickets for postponed events are still valid. For updates, please visit our Event Center page.
Meadows Lanes has reopened.
Hotel
The hotel is open and taking reservations. To book a room, please visit our Hotel page.
Horse Racing
Live Racing is scheduled to resume on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, all 12:45 p.m. start times.
Simulcast cashiers are available Sunday through Thursday noon to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to midnight.
What are your hours of operations?
SUNDAY: 8 a.m. – 4 a.m.
MONDAY: 8 a.m. – 4 a.m.
TUESDAY: 8 a.m. – 4 a.m.
WEDNESDAY: 8 a.m. – 4 a.m.
THURSDAY: 8 a.m. – 4 a.m.
FRIDAY: 8 a.m. – 5 a.m.
SATURDAY: 8 a.m. – 5 a.m.
The casino is closed each day in order to deep clean and sanitize.
Do I need to wear a mask to enter?
Yes, per PGCB COVID-19 Reopening Protocols, all guests and team members entering a casino shall wear a mask which covers the nose and mouth area. If you are unable to wear a mask for health reasons, we encourage you to play online in PA at HollywoodCasino.com. Patrons not complying with these protocols shall be warned and if they do not comply, shall be asked to leave the casino. Guests may be asked to remove any headwear/hats and temporarily pull down their mask so their identity can be confirmed as they pass through security.
Will there still be promotions and offers?
Some limited promotions will resume. Eligible guests may receive free play offers. As we transition to contactless communication, make sure we have a valid email address for your mychoice account. All promotions scheduled for March, April or May have been canceled or postponed with no definite plans to resume.
What is contactless communication?
Contactless communication is the safest way for us to inform you of upcoming offers, promotions, and special events. We will be providing a majority of these update via email. To link your email address to your mychoice account, visit www.mychoice.com and update your account OR you can visit the mychoice center upon your next visit to ensure we have your email address.
Will my Free SlotPlay from March or April be available?
All March and April offers have expired, To ensure you receive the latest information, make sure we have your email address. Any previously earned mycash is available and will not be expiring at this time.
Will my mychoice card, mycash, or tier level be expired when I come back?
Mycash will not expire in 2020. Your mychoice tier will be set on July 1, 2020 based on your tier points earned in 2019. Though your mychoice card may have an expiration date printed on it, your card will still work in our slot machines and kiosks and will only need reprinted when being utilized for tier level discounts. For 2021 tier earning, we have extended the end date of the earning period from December 31, 2020, now to May 31, 2021.
What dining outlets and bars are open?
THE EATERY
Joe & Dough:
Friday & Saturday: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m – 5 p.m.
Classic:
Sunday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 a.m.
Friday & Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 a.m.
Mercato:
Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – Midnight
Zen:
Friday & Saturday: 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
2Ten Drafthouse:
Daily: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Bistecca:
Sunday – Thursday: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 4 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Can I play the slot machines?
Yes. Every other slot machine will be out of service to maintain social distancing. Guests may not sit at machines that are turned off. Slot attendants will still be available to pay jackpots and service your machine. Per PGCB COVID-19 Reopening Protocols, players at slot machines shall wear face masks per guidance by the CDC and PA DOH.
Can I still play Table Games?
Yes. Most table games will be open but seating at each game will be limited to three players (six players on a craps table). The process of some of these games may be altered to limit contact of chips, cards, and cash. Patrons should not congregate around the table in close proximity to players at a table.
Parx Casino Open Or Closed
Will every table game that was offered prior to the closure be available?
Yes.
Will the Poker Room be Open?
The Poker Room is temporarily closed.
Will the Sportsbook be open?
Yes, The Sportsbook is open. The Sportsbook counter will be open Sunday – Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. – 5 a.m. The self-betting kiosks will be available during casino hours daily.
What venues will be closed inside the casino?
The poker room, will all remain closed until we can safely reopen them. Valet service will be unavailable for all guests.
What about concerts and live entertainment?
All shows in the Event Center have been canceled or rescheduled. Refunds will be issued for canceled events at the point of purchase. Tickets for postponed events are still valid. Updates on entertainment can be found on our website under the entertainment tab.
Can I still get self-serve drinks?
No, the self-serve drink station is currently unavailable. You may still receive complimentary soft drink from a server or at the Sportsbook or H Lounge bars.
Can I still get a hotel room?
Yes. The hotel is open and taking reservations.
How can I stay safe inside the casino?
Social distancing protocols will be enforced inside all areas of the facility. Signage will be displayed to show you where to stand and what is opened and closed. Plexiglas will be placed in high contact areas and all team members will wear masks. Any area that may have high traffic or touch points will be sanitized regularly and the whole facility will be deep cleaned over-night. Every other cashier or mychoice representative work station will be left empty to reduce crowding.
Are Pa Casinos Closing Again
Where do I go if I have additional questions?
The mychoice center, our Facebook page, or our website.
Will you be serving alcohol on the casino floor?
By order of the Governor's Office, we have temporarily suspended alcohol service on the Casino floor. Drinks may still be purchased with a meal while dining in The Eatery, Bistecca Steakhouse and Parlay at The Hyatt Place.
Will my temperature be taken before I enter the casino?
Yes.
Will there be smoking allowed on the casino floor?
By executive order from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, we have placed a ban on all smoking indoors. We have designated and socially distanced smoking areas outside towards the main and south entrance.
Will you have fireworks this year?
No.
I received a cruise certificate at a party earlier in the year, can I still redeem it?
While the cruise industry is struggling we are confident they would be happy to hear from you for a booking. Please contact the Norwegian Cruise Line directly at 1-877-571-6980.
Will the Meadows be having the tier renewal parties?
We currently do not have tier renewal parties on the calendar but hope to be able to celebrate your tier level when we can safely do so.
I previously had a host, do I still have one?
We will be calling hosts back based on business needs. You can ask for any host on duty and they would be happy to help you.
Am I still able to get comps from my host?
Yes. Comps are based on play and will be evaluated on a case by case basis
When will Horse Racing resume?
Live Harness Racing has returned! Live Racing is scheduled to resume on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, all 12:45 p.m. start times.
Simulcast cashiers are available Sunday through Thursday noon to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to midnight.
When will Meadows Lanes reopen?
Meadows Lanes is open.
Casinos closed into 2021
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has signed an official Order to close the state’s casinos for three weeks, from 12:01am on December 12 to 8:00am on January 4, 2021. The Order applies to all indoor entertainment, as well as indoor dining, indoor gyms and fitness centers, in-person school extracurricular activities, and youth sports.
In his announcement Thursday afternoon, Governor Wolf laid out three goals for the strict mitigation measures. The first and most obvious is to stop the spread of COVID-19. The second is to ease the burden on Pennsylvania’s hospitals and health care workers. The third goal is related to the first: to get people through the holiday season safely and closer to the vaccine rollout.
It will help all of us get back to normal, and back to all of the things we’ve missed, faster.”
“It will help all of us get back to normal, and back to all of the things we’ve missed, faster,” said Wolf, who himself was just diagnosed with COVID-19. “And it means more Pennsylvanians will be alive to celebrate that brighter future.”
Situation is worse than in March
The first round of mandatory Pennsylvania casino closures lasted three and a half months, from March 16 to July 2. The Meadows Racetrack and Casino and Rivers Casino Pittsburgh were the first to reopen on June 9.
On November 20, Governor Wolf said that there was no evidence of any outbreaks stemming from the state’s casinos. Nevertheless, things have gotten so bad in Pennsylvania that he and health officials felt that a strict, blanket shutdown was needed.
the virus continues to strain our health care systems”
Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said on Thursday that each of the last two days have seen more deaths than any day since the very beginning of the pandemic. She warned: “The virus continues to strain our health care systems and the dramatic rise in cases among all age groups, including among school-age children, is alarming.”
Internet gaming choices abound
Fortunately for gamblers in the Keystone State, there are plenty of online options for people to have fun with from the safety of home. Most of Pennsylvania’s 13 casinos have internet versions that offer games like blackjack, slots, and roulette. BetMGM became the most reason operator to launch an online casino, doing so last week.
There are also ten sportsbook apps in the state and one online poker room, PokerStars. On December 27, PokerStars will host the $200 buy-in “Pennsyl-MANIA” tournament, guaranteeing a prize pool of at least $500,000, the largest ever in the state.
Pennsylvania also recently became the second state with live dealer online games when Evolution opened its studio in late October. Evolution is supplying its games to Rush Street Interactive’s PlaySugarHouse and BetRivers online casinos and DraftKings. It later launched with Caesars in November.