July 5, 2020 3 min read

Face Masks Mandatory at Casinos in Mississippi, Orders the Gaming Commission

Mandatory wearing of masks for visitors ordered by the Mississippi Gaming Commission following recent spikes in COVID-19 positive cases in the state.

Face Masks Mandatory When Visiting Casinos

Earlier this week, the Mississippi Gaming Commission has announced that all visitors of casinos must wear masks. According to the announcement, the restrictions are already into effect from July 3, 2020. According to the Gaming Commission’s statement, the face masks measure was introduced based on guidance from the State Health Officer. By introducing mandatory face masks, the state will be ultimately looking to reduce the spread of COVID-19. With that being said, all people visiting indoor public areas within casino premises must mandatorily wear a mask that covers their face and nose.

Exception of the rule for wearing a mask is only allowed while visitors are drinking, eating or if they need to be identified by casino employees. Casino visitors not wearing a mask will be kindly asked to follow the new requirements. In the event that a visitor disregards the rules, they will be asked to leave the premises. The new order is going to affect all 12 casinos in the Magnolia State.

COVID-19 Cases Increase in the State

Prior to releasing the order, some 871 new positive COVID-19 cases were reported in the state. Of that total, 81 cases were on the state’s coast. With that being said, the total number of recorded positive COVID-19 cases in the state is 30,900. While this number sounds quite a lot, Mississippi is still far from top of the chart where New York is placed with more than 420,000 reported COVID-19 cases.

Besides the wearing of masks becoming mandatory, both visitors and employees will have their temperature checked prior to entry. Casino operators will have to continue following other health and safety protocols such as social distancing. In addition, enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols are in place for all casino premises. Frequently touched surfaces, high traffic areas and gaming equipment must be regularly sanitized.

MGHA Says All Necessary Precautions Will Be Taken to Reduce Spread of COVID-19

According to Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association (MGHA) executive director, Larry Gregory, the operators in the state are aware of the ultimate goal. The goal is to protect the health and safety of both employees and guests, he says. Employees who do not feel well will have to stay at home and not report to work. In the event that an employee has fever or other COVID-19 symptoms, they must get tested.

Gregory continued by saying: “If they test positive for COVID-19, we will ensure all employees that have been in close contact will be tested.” In conclusion, Gregory pointed out that MGHA speaks out for all casino operators in the state and assured that every precaution will be taken to ensure safe operations.

Elsewhere in the US, casinos and other entertainment venues were ordered to close in Miami-Dade County in Florida. Due to a recent spike in positive COVID-19 patients, the mayor ordered to close those venues but also introduced a 10 PM curfew. The measures were in effect from July 3 but a final date was not set at this point.

Lead Editor

Mike made his mark on the industry at a young age as a consultant to companies that would grow to become regulators. Now he dedicates his weekdays to his new project a the lead editor of GamblingNews.com, aiming to educate the masses on the latest developments in the gambling circuit.

3 Comments

    Anthony Depew
    October 2, 2020 at 7:25 am

    Time to open up no face mask. It’s time for Boomtown Buffet to open up

    Rice
    October 31, 2020 at 5:34 am

    This mandate discriminates against people unable to wear face masks & should NOT be questioned under HIPAA protocol & guidelines. Masks have been proven not to be effective & can cause other illnesses. Following CDC that has changed their recommendations as often as the wind is a joke.

    Paul
    December 25, 2020 at 6:10 pm

    My wife and I was asked very rudely to leave waterview casino in Vicksburg Mississippi because we did not have our mask covered our nose my wife and I both have serious health issues and I tried to explain this to the security my wife even showed them our inhaler that we have to carry at all times it was a very tense and a very scary situation but everyone was walking around in the casino there masks on their chin some was actually wearing it on their head was told to leave I have been going to that casino when it was diamond Jack’s but my wife and I will never set foot back in there because the way we was treated and the way we was talk to it’s sad time when two grown men supposedly professional talks to people the way we was talk to and I’m going to be very honest they had to be the most unprofessional security I have ever witnessed in my life I actually smelled alcohol on one of them I don’t know if he was having a bad day if he didn’t want to come in if he was having family problems I don’t know but it was a very scary situation from my wife and I. This happen Christmas Eve night 2020

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