Reopening Rules For Detroit Casinos Include Gambler Temperature Checks, Smoking Ban

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(WWJ) Detroit casinos will have a lot of new rules to follow when they get the OK to reopen from Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.  

The Michigan Gaming Control Board today approved the new protocols which call for MGM Grand, Greektown and MotorCity to limit capacity and gamblers' temperatures for signs of a fever that could be caused by COVID-19. 

The casinos have been shut down since March 16 under executive orders to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. 

The minimum guidelines from the MGCB for initial opening include:

  • Limit of 15 percent the legal capacity at each casino
  • Limited entrance points with temperature checks
  • A ban on smoking on the casino floors
  • No poker rooms during initial opening
  • No concerts, nightclubs, live events or shows
  • No buffets
  • No valet or coat check services
  • Heightened cleaning protocols
  • Social distancing

The minimum reopening guidelines approved Monday will be implemented after the governor issues an order allowing the casinos to reopen, officials say; although it's still not clear when that will be. Read the detailed MGCB guidelines HERE (.pdf format).

“In compiling these minimum guidelines, we considered CDC recommendations, Nevada Gaming Board guidelines and information from the National Indian Gaming Commission,” said Richard Kalm, MGCB executive director. “We required the casinos to propose reopening plans, and we consulted with the casino unions on the guidelines. We believe the guidelines will protect the public when it is safe to reopen the casinos.”

"The Michigan Gaming Control Board shall ensure the conduct of fair and honest gaming to protect the interests of the citizens of the State of Michigan." 

This comes after MGM Grand released its own, more extensive plan several weeks ago. (See it here.)

The MGCB guidelines came out the same day Whitmer allowed bars and restaurants to reopen their doors to indoor service, with limited seating and other safety precautions in place under her step-by-step 'MI Safe Start' plan to relaunch the state's economy.

Meanwhile, all three Detroit casinos have seen their revenue cut by more than half due to the pandemic. 

The Michigan Gaming Control Board says through the end of May just under $300 million in revenue was collected; an almost 52% drop compared to the same period last year. Detroit is receiving just under $36 million in taxes and the state is getting just over $24 million.

Casino taxes are the third largest source of tax revenue for the city of Detroit.