Louisiana casinos to screen players for COVID-19

The Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, Ronnie Jones, has explained that the gaming experience for guests in Louisiana casinos will change drastically from now on.

Firstly, casino entry will likely be limited to 25% to 50% of normal capacity. Often, live concerts are usually a big draw, but Jones says that aspect will not be coming back immediately.

"Live entertainment is off the table for a while. Anything that would bring a lot of people together and create a problem from a social distancing standpoint is not going to be permitted," said Jones.

Temperature checks, mandatory hand sanitizing, and a series of screening questions will be asked before setting foot on the gaming floor.

"It’s the CDC questions about symptoms of the virus. They’ll be provided a mask if they did not bring one with them.  They’ll be encouraged to wear that mask," said Jones.

Upon entering a casino, Jones says customers may notice more out-of-service slot machines to promote social distancing as well as less congestion at table games.

"Significantly fewer chairs at poker tables and blackjack tables. A craps table that ordinarily might have sixteen people jammed shoulder to shoulder prior to this public health crisis may have six people," said Jones.

Casino operations ceased on March 16th and were not specifically named in any of the phases of the reopening plans, but Jones is hoping that maybe things will begin to open up by the end of the month, WWL Radio reports.