Following a new directive from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Monday, additional casinos in Michigan may soon begin welcoming guests.
Whitmer’s recent announcement regarding the partial reopening of the state might serve as an additional motivation for the sovereign tribes operating the state’s tribal casinos, even though they already have the authority to reopen them.
Starting Friday, bars and restaurants in the Upper Peninsula and 17 counties in the northern Lower Peninsula will be granted relief from restrictions, as announced by the governor on Monday.
This implies that 16 out of the 26 casinos in the state will be located in regions where bars and restaurants can freely operate, coinciding perfectly with the Memorial Day weekend. This holiday typically marks the beginning of summer and serves as a signal for numerous Michigan residents to open their seasonal homes in the “Up North” area.
Gov. Whitmer partially reopens 2 of state’s 8 regions
The U.P. and the Traverse City Region were both affected by Whitmer’s announcement.
The proposed plan aims to resume operations for numerous establishments, such as bars and restaurants, albeit with a limited capacity of up to 50%. Moreover, it mandates businesses to conduct safety protocol training for their staff and maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet between groups. It is important to note that wearing masks remains a mandatory requirement.
During the Monday press briefing, Whitmer emphasized the significance of this crucial action, especially as it precedes the holiday weekend. She urged everyone to prioritize their well-being by making wise choices and remaining cautious. It is important to exercise prudence and avoid hasty actions that could lead to another shutdown.
In the reopened regions, social gatherings of up to 10 individuals are allowed, but overnight accommodation is not permitted.
Which Michigan casinos could be reopen next?
In Michigan, the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) is home to eleven out of the state’s 23 tribal casinos, all located north of the Mackinac Bridge.
The extent to which the remaining 10 others will emulate the actions of Island Resort and Casino in Harris, which reopened on Saturday, is yet unknown.
The five Kewadin Casinos located in the U.P. have set a reopening date of June 1st. However, the remaining five U.P. casinos, including the two Ojibwa Casinos in the western U.P., the Bay Mills casinos in Brimley, and the Northern Waters Casino Resort in Watersmeet, have not yet disclosed their plans for reopening.
Furthermore, Monday’s announcement had an impact on five casinos located in counties within the Lower Peninsula.
The following casinos are: Leelanau Sands Casino located in Peshawbestown, Little River Casino and Resort situated in Manistee, Turtle Creek Casino and Hotel found in Williamsburg, and Odawa Casinos located in Mackinaw City and Petoskey.
As of Monday afternoon, none of them had announced any reopening dates.
Tribes and state officials working together
Monday’s announcement does not affect the seven other tribal casinos across the state or the three commercial casinos in Detroit, as they are located in unaffected areas.
As of Monday afternoon, no reopening dates had been announced by any of those tribal casinos.
Last week, a spokesperson from Mount Pleasant’s Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, the biggest tribal casino in the state, informed Playinmichigan that a meeting between Whitmer and tribal leaders regarding the reopening of casinos was successful.
The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe’s spokesman, Frank Cloutier, expressed their willingness to collaborate with the governor’s office in developing a reopening strategy.
Detroit casinos still closed indefinitely
Under Whitmer’s Stay Home order, the Detroit casinos are required to close until at least May 28th.
There is a possibility of extended closure for commercial properties, and even upon reopening, there could be limitations on the maximum number of people allowed inside.
MGM Resorts International recently unveiled a comprehensive Seven-Point Plan, outlining the reopening strategy for properties like MGM Grand Detroit.
Furthermore, Penn National Gaming, the parent company of Greektown Casino-Hotel, has disclosed the steps being implemented to ensure the safe reopening of its establishments.
Promising COVID-19 numbers throughout Michigan
For the ninth consecutive day, Michigan has reported deaths in the double digits due to the coronavirus.
Typically, the number of incidents decreases on Mondays; however, the 24 deaths reported were some of the fewest in the last two months.
According to the Johns Hopkins University & Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center, the state ranks seventh in the country for COVID-19 cases and fourth for deaths, with a total of 4,915 fatalities.
