Detroit Casinos Hope To Reopen Poker, But There Is Potential Pushback

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Written By Matt Schoch on September 15, 2020Last Updated on September 16, 2020

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Tribal casinos were the first to reopen their doors after the closure of Michigan casinos in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Less than two months after its closure, Island Resort & Casino in Harris, located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, reopened on May 16 as the first tribal casino in the region to resume operations.

Casinos in Detroit remained closed statewide for over four months due to the pandemic, and it was only on Aug. 5 that someone finally placed a bet in one of them.

Detroit’s casinos experienced a significant decline in revenue of 62% for the first eight months of the year compared to the same period in 2019. However, the introduction of sports betting might provide some relief in mitigating this impact moving forward.

Nevertheless, recent news suggests that there may have been a slight shift in the situation. Detroit casinos seem eager to relax their restrictions as soon as they can, but it is actually the tribes who have been tightening their measures.

Detroit casinos hope to open poker rooms soon

Last week, MotorCity Casino made an announcement on social media and reportedly sent out a mass email, revealing their plans to reopen their poker room this week.

According to The Detroit News, the Michigan Gaming Control Board was caught off guard by the announcement.

Last month, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer highlighted the reopening requirements set by the board, which included the closure of poker rooms in the Detroit casinos.

According to Mary Kay Bean, the spokesperson for the Board, casinos would be required to obtain board approval in order to reopen their poker rooms.

On Tuesday, MotorCity Casino removed the social media announcements and scaled back their activity on the timeline.

In a statement to Playinmichigan, Bruce Dall, the President of MotorCity Casino, expressed his anticipation to welcome back their poker players once they are permitted to do so, while emphasizing their ongoing collaboration with the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB).

FanDuel Sportsbook attendants at MotorCity Casino now have extended working hours from 9 a.m. to midnight, every day of the week.

Tribal casinos not allowing certain masks

At the same time, the biggest tribal casino in the state is implementing stricter regulations regarding the use of facial coverings for its guests.

Both Soaring Eagle Casino Resort in Mount Pleasant and Saganing Eagles Landing in Standish are implementing stricter measures regarding the use of masks.

Effective Monday, the mid-Michigan casinos will prohibit the use of bandanas, masks equipped with ventilation valves, and neck gaiters as face coverings.

An announcement stated that our two casino properties are implementing this change in line with the latest CDC guidelines on face masks. We sincerely thank you for your understanding and patience during these challenging times.

Turtle Creek banned smoking recently

Turtle Creek Casino, located near Traverse City in Williamsburg, has recently implemented a smoking ban.

On August 31, smoking was prohibited in all indoor spaces, including the casino gaming floor.

Leelanau Sands Casino, located in Peshawbestown further up the peninsula, had already implemented a smoke-free environment.

Despite not being obligated to comply with Whitmer’s orders, several tribal casinos in northern Michigan have voluntarily implemented smoke-free policies.

Turtle Creek and Leelanau Sands have recently announced their partnership with William Hill, stating that they will soon be providing sports betting services.

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