Pa Casinos Closing
All of Pennsylvania’s casinos closed over the weekend. The order from Gov. Tom Wolf came on December 10, and went into effect two days later. Rivers Philadelphia was already closed as of November 20, but a dozen other properties had been open for business until now. The closure will last until at least 8 AM on Monday, January 4. Route 66 Casino Hotel closed in mid-October response and according to local media outlets, the government is urging the 23 other tribal casinos to follow suit. While Pennsylvania hasn’t. The orders also will idle Pennsylvania’s ground-based casino industry, which includes 12 full-scale casinos, one mini-casino and employs 16,000 people. UPDATE: Wind Creek Casino in Bethlehem is now closed for two weeks. Four of Pennsylvania’s 12 casinos- three in or around Philadelphia and one in Pittsburgh - have closed temporarily over.
Washington, PA (WTRF)- In accordance with the Governor’s additional COVID-19 protective mitigation measures, The Meadows Casino will be temporarily suspending operations for a period of three weeks beginning at 11 p.m. On Friday, December 11, 2020 “I am very proud of our team here and all of the hard work they have put in to.
Shortly after Michigan announced it would begin to shutter its brick-and-mortar casinos for a second time as a part of another round of COVID-19 restrictions, other states have begun to follow suit.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced that it will shut down the state’s gaming market starting at 11:01 p.m. Thursday night. He did not announce how long these closures will last, according to a report from the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Pa Casinos Closing Again
If any of the state’s 10 casinos refuse to close during the mandated shutdown, they could lose their gaming license, according to the Illinois Gaming Board’s website.
Along with Illinois, New Mexico casinos are also beginning to cease operations in response to a COVID-19 surge. Route 66 Casino Hotel closed in mid-October response and according to local media outlets, the government is urging the 23 other tribal casinos to follow suit.
Santa Ana Star Casino announced the closure last week and Sandia Casino never reopened since it shut its doors in March. Since the entire gaming industry in the state is run by tribes, the state government is unable to unilaterally shut down the entire market.
While Pennsylvania hasn’t announced a statewide mandate, one of its biggest cities is beginning to enact strict lockdown measures and one of the state’s biggest casinos is being forced to close again.
Rivers Casino Philadelphia, formerly SugarHouse Casino, is shutting down Friday and will not be allowed to reopen until January 2, 2021. South Philadelphia Race and Sportsbooks will be closed during that same timeframe.
Other states, like California and Ohio, are beginning to implement curfews on its citizens. While state officials haven’t announced anything specific to the gaming industry, it’s still unclear what effect curfews will have on the casino industry.
Before reopening in July, New Jersey was one of the strictest and most cautious states when it came to its casino industry. This time around, however, it appears that Garden State casinos will avoid another shutdown. According to a report from the Press of Atlantic City, Gov. Phil Murphy said that there is no evidence that his state’s casinos are linked to any outbreaks of COVID-19.
Colorado casinos were in jeopardy of being closed as new restrictions were imposed Monday, but Teller County officials said earlier this week that the casino industry would not be affected.
Pennsylvania’s casinos provide the latest gaming machines and tables, plus possible access to on-site racing venues for additional betting. Many casinos are also entertainment hubs that offer access to concert and show venues and a wealth of exquisite dining options.
Try your luck at one of the 12 Pennsylvania casinos below, where you’ll be sure to pocket many fond memories, if not loads of winnings.
1. Harrah’s Philadelphia
Chester
Catch live harness-racing action at Harrah’s Philadelphia or watch races that are broadcasted live daily from major tracks in their indoor waging area. Meanwhile, the casino features more than 2,000 slots, video poker machines and a variety of table games.
2. Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course
Grantville
Hollywood is the theme at this casino, the only gaming and racing facility in central Pennsylvania. Try your luck at more than 2,400 slot machines and 56 table games, or snag a box seat at the track where live races takes place Wednesday—Saturday at 6pm.
3. Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin
Farmington
Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin is a small casino situated at the lovely Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, which offers shuttles to and from the casino 24/7. Featuring nearly 600 slot machines, 29 table games, including roulette, craps and blackjack, Lady Luck is an understated hideaway for slots lovers.
4. The Meadows Racetrack & Casino
Washington
The Meadows supplies year-round harness racing and more than 3,000 slot machines, 65 table games and a variety of entertainment options, including a 24-lane bowling alley and live entertainment at Headliners, a venue that hosts local and national performing artists. Whether you’re in the mood for casual food court dining, trackside eats, or surf and turf from an award-winning steakhouse, The Meadows has a variety of dining options to satisfy your palate.
5. Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs
A $208 million renovation effort dramatically transformed Pocano Downs into not only Pennsylvania's first casino, but the area's leading enterntainment complex. With 82,000 square feet of gaming space holding 2,300 slot machines, 90 table games and a 218-room, 20-suite hotel, Pocono Downs offers countless opportunities for gaming fun. The hotel and entertainment center’s unique architecture is inspired by the landscape, flora, wildlife, natural resources and personality of the Susquehanna River Valley.
6. Mount Airy Casino Resort
Mount Pocono
Pa Casino Closures
Mount Airy Casino has a wide variety of attractions, including an 18-hole championship golf course with 6,500 yards of manicured greens, a luxurious spa and salon, and an impressive 51,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor pool. Gamers love the 1,800 slot machines and 70 table games. Try The Buffet for the great sampling of gourmet dishes, including carving, salad, seafood and dessert stations.
7. Parx Casino and Racetrack
Bensalem
Parx Casino and Parx East, adjacent properties located 20 minutes away from Philadelphia’s Center City, feature more than 3,330 slot machines, 100 live gaming tables, plus live and simulcast racing action. Sports lovers should spend time at Jax, a sports bar featuring more than 48 poker tables, and Chickie & Pete’s, an interactive sports bar and crab house.
8. Presque Isle Downs & Casino
More than 1,700 slot machines light up this casino and racetrack. Presque Isle Downs & Casino offers shuttle that runs 24/7 to the Baymont Hotel across the street, so visitors can stay and play. Don’t miss live music on Friday and Saturday evenings at the Downs Clubhouse & Lounge and the Sunday champagne breakfast buffet.
9. Rivers Casino
Rivers Casino offers 3,000 slot machines, more than 100 tablegames and a 30-table poker room on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. The casino has five restaurants to choose from including Andrew’s Steak and Seafood, named after important Pittsburg natives named Andrew such as Carnegie, Mellon and Warhol.
10. Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem
Sands Bethlehem, located on the former site of the historic Bethlehem Steel plant, is home to 3,000 slot machines, 200 table games and a variety of dining, shopping and entertainment options. Shop at The Outlets at the Sands Bethlehem, check out the event center’s show schedule or dine at one of the resort’s 10 restaurants, including Steelworks Buffet & Grill and Emeril’s Chop House.
11. Sugar House Casino
Located on the site of a vacant sugar refinery on the Delaware River, the casino has more than 1,900 slot machines and 103 table games. Dine on the waterfront at The Refinery, where delicious American cuisine collides with live music and gorgeous views. The casino provides free transportation via its Sugar Express trolley from more than 24 Philadelphia locations.
12. Valley Forge Casino and Resort
King of Prussia
Valley Forge Casino and Resort has 600 slot machines, 50 live gaming tables and 485 guestrooms and suites. Plan to spend the night at the resort, where visitors can also hang out at an outdoor garden pool with views of Valley Forge National Historical Park, ride a mechanical bull at Deuces wild Buck’ Bull Saloon and chow down at eight different fine dining and casual restaurants.