Mississippi Gaming Commission says casinos must close by midnight due to coronavirus concerns

MISSISSIPPI (WLOX) - Casinos in the Magnolia State will have to close their doors by midnight on Monday. This comes after the CDC’s advisory to enforce social distancing and the Trump administration’s announcement that the public should try to avoid crowds of more than 10 people.

The news regarding the state’s gaming industry was announced by the Mississippi Gaming Commission (MGC) on Monday afternoon, following a press conference held by Tate Reeves that addressed the latest updates on COVID-19.

This notice from MGC does not affect casinos on tribal land. However, the casinos on tribal land such as Pearl River Resort, Bok Homa Casino, and the Golden Moon Hotel and Casino will also be closed until further notice from Choctaw officials.

MGM Resorts released a statement temporarily suspending their Mississippi resort operations, prompting the Beau Rivage to be one of the first casinos to state their closure.

MGM Resorts has announced its decision to temporarily suspend operations at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino until further notice, effective Tuesday, March 17. Casino operations will close at 6 a.m. CST, followed by hotel operations.

More information: https://t.co/NgaqL2APZ9 pic.twitter.com/V12gKfo8cA
— Beau Rivage Casino (@BeauBiloxi) March 16, 2020

A statement from Palace Casino Resort also brought MGC’s decision to light as well as their staff. According to the release, “Palace Associates will be paid during this time and their medical benefits will remain intact.”

Scarlett Pearl employees will be paid indefinitely, according to the general manager.

Hotels that feature casinos may also be shutting down. Some restaurants are affected as well.

Beau Rivage: hotel and restaurants
Boomtown: RV park and Fat Tuesday (on Highway 49)
Hard Rock: hotel and restaurants
Harrah’s: hotel and restaurants
Hollywood: hotel, restaurants, RV park, and golf course
Island View: hotel and restaurants
Scarlet Pearl: hotel and restaurants
Silver Slipper: hotel and restaurants

As for the Palace Casino Resort, they will keep their hotel doors open. The same goes for some of their restaurants. Additionally, the Gold Nugget Hotel will remain open and so will some of their restaurants.

The casinos affected in Mississippi will remain closed until further notice. This decision is fluid much like the coronavirus, so updates will be made accordingly.

https://www.wlox.com/2020/03/15/cases-coronavirus-identified-by-miss-dept-health/

In Louisana, casinos across the state are also forced to shut down at midnight.

Copyright 2020 WLOX. All rights reserved.