Category Archives: Roulette

To wear a mask, or not wear a mask? To practice social distancing, or not practice social distancing?

We have become so polarized that answers to these questions in our community have been increasingly based on personal bias and political philosophies. Physicians and health care workers do not have such luxuries. They have spent their lives in pursuit of scientific truth and in prioritizing the patient and the publics well-being. Combating an infectious disease is a battle that requires everyones cooperation regardless of ones political persuasion.

We may disagree on how serious this pandemic was or how necessary it was to go in social isolation, but we should not refuse to take reasonable and cautious measures to protect our elderly, our vulnerable, and our children. Such stubbornness in the guise of medical freedom could be perceived as a lack of respect, a selfishness and a meanness that many clergy could call an absence of appreciation for human life and of moral behavior. Morality is defined here as Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

It makes me question whether I would risk being in the same room, let alone the same community, with narrow-minded behavior, which puts their neighbors and friends at such risk. We have already lost over 100,000 Americans to the coronavirus. The numbers of coronavirus infections have increased from seven during week May 3-9 to 10 week May 10-16 to 10, week May 16-23 to 22, and 11 May 24-30. These numbers are mirrored statewide. The data since the lockdown was lifted hasnt been yet released publically. Now one may try to say that such increases are due to increased testing or that one should only look at the number of hospitalizations, but the point is that the virus has not been eliminated from the general population. Its foolish to come up with an endless parade of rationalizations to excuse socially irresponsible behavior. One might as well play Russian roulette.

Wait! Am I purposefully being too provocative here? This issue strikes a deep chord within me 35 years of trying to convince folks to use medications preventatively and improve the quality of their lives. Many exercised their medical freedom to do whatever they wanted only to call me in the middle of the night to bail them out. How many physicians have to bail out patients who arent accountable? But this isnt just about them harming themselves or driving up the cost of health care. Such unaccountable folks are walking around petri dishes infecting innocent others. As someone once said, Ones liberty ends when another persons begins. Of the coronavirus patients, over 16% are health care workers who mostly caught it taking care of others. They have families and they too are at risk. Health care workers are even quarantining themselves from their own families so that they can continue to take care of their patients. Do health care workers have the freedom to not take care of such reckless people? Why does society constrain health care workers and not refusniks? Is it because they are moral, and value life? Yes, there may be a few citizens that have medical conditions or disabilities that limit their ability to wear a mask, but, they are relatively few.

The Oregon Health Authority is beginning to identify workplaces of more than five cases . This and liability issues may incentivize employers to post and enforce policies of masking and social distancing.

However, if we want to open up the economy, prevent further social isolation, anxiety, depression and suicide, lets all get our priorities straight and get the best odds of protecting as many of our fellow members of the human race as humanly possible. Public health is not always a government conspiracy.

Dr. David B. Coutin is a retired immunologist who lives in Bend.

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Guest Column: Playing Russian roulette with other people's lives - Bend Bulletin

The Las Vegas Strip is slowly awakening after a nearly 80-day slumber due to the coronavirus crisis. USA TODAY

LAS VEGAS Caesar is sporting a gold mask at the entrance to his namesake casino.

There's a giant hand-washing station on the casino floor at the luxe Bellagio.

Dancing dealers at the D Las Vegas wearface shields.

The coronavirus crisis has changed plenty of things about this gambling and entertainment capital, but key Vegas elements remain the same.

Bill Hornbuckle, acting CEO of casino giant MGM Resorts,owner of New York-New York, Bellagio and other Vegas properties, said he will consider reopening week a success if visitors "gohome and say, 'While it was different, it was safe, it was fun, and it's still the Vegas I know.' "

Here's a look at what's changed and what hasn't:

1. Gambling:In the casino equivalent of blocking middle seats on aplane, you'll find fewer chairs at the blackjack, roulette and poker tables and fewer places to stand around the craps table. The new limits per table: three players at blackjack, four at roulette and poker and six at craps.Dealers and other employees are required to wear masks or face shields, per gaming authority reopening regulations.Masks are mostly optional but strongly encouraged for guests.MGM Resorts has gone so far as to install plexiglass partitions at its tables, and, in some cases, bar-top video poker machines. Caesarsrequiresthat gamblers wear masks at table games.Every other slot machine is generally turned off and lacks a chair in the name of socialdistancing. Casino capacity is initially limited to 50% under new state gaming regulations. There are signs everywhere reminding people about safety protocols, and MGM has new hand-cleaning stationsat Bellagio and New York-New York.

Las Vegas Strip reopening scenes: Foot traffic light, but Bellagio fountains dancing

The Caesar statue at the entrance to Caesars Palace sports a gold mask as the hotel casinos reopen after a 2 1/2-month shutdown.(Photo: Caesars Palace)

2. Hotel check-in: You'll have your temperature checked before you get in line under reopening requirements imposed by gaming authorities.Hotels use a variety of methods, including contactless andinfrared thermometers. New York-New York has EMTs stationed at the check-in line. At Caesars Palace, you walk through a machine resembling a metal detector that captures your temperature from three different positions.

What happensif you have a fever? You'll be given time to cool down before being tested again. Those with a fever will be evaluated by a medical professional and may not be able to check in.

The D Las Vegas on Fremont Street downtown checked all visitors' temperaturesduring reopening week, but hotel owner Derek Stevens said he wasn't sure how long that would continue.I had my temperature taken seven times during a one-night stay as I went in and out of the place when it reopened Wednesday.

A sign in the lobby of Caesars Palace in Las Vegas announces the hotel's new temperature check policy.(Photo: Dawn Gilbertson, USA TODAY)

3. Hotel choices:Your favorite hotel might not be open.Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts, which operate the most casino-hotels on the Strip, each has only a few of its hotels open as they slowly ramp up their businesses after the 2-month shutdown. Caesars reopened Caesars Palace,Flamingo and Harrah's. It has not announced reopening dates for its other casino hotels, which include Paris Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood, Bally's and the Linq. MGM Resorts debuted with Bellagio, New York-New York and MGM Grand, though only at 30% to 35% capacity for hotel guestsand plans to reopen Excalibur on Thursday. Still closed: Aria, the Mirage, Park MGM, Mandalay Bay, Luxor and others. Hotels are taking a similar phased approach with their restaurants, andmanyare still closed.

'Best day ever': Gamblers flock to downtown Las Vegas on first night of casino reopenings

4. Buffets:The all-you-can eat extravaganzas, a Vegas staple, have not reopened, and it's unclear what they will be like when they do. Buffets are so popular Caesars Entertainmentcreated a buffet passa decade ago that allows visitors to pay one price and visit several in one stay. The coronavirus crisis has already claimed the buffet restaurants Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes.

5.Things to do:Hotel pools are open to reduced capacity,and a few attractions, including the High Roller observation wheel, Bellagio fountains and New York-New York roller coaster, have resumed. Las Vegas' marquee attractions, including its signature shows, night clubs and raucous adult-only pool parties, have not as gathering in groups is still prohibited.

6. Parking fees:Free hotel parking, a hallmark of Las Vegas until 2016 when MGM Resorts started a trend by adding feesfor valet and self-parking, isback. Caesars trumpetsfree parking on electronic billboards on the Strip, and MGMtoutsits new policy, too. (A few hotels, including Cosmopolitan Las Vegas and Wynn and Encore,eliminated parking fees before the crisis to stand out from the competition.)

The policy, one of many steps designed to woo people back to Vegas, applies only to self-parking because valet parking is not offered. Before the crisis, self-parking was as high as $18 and valet parking was$30 a night at high-end hotels such as Bellagio.

Harrah's touts free parking, a step many hotel-casinos in Las Vegas are taking as they reopen after coronavirus closures.(Photo: Dawn Gilbertson, USA TODAY)

The free parking lured Las Vegas teacher Colleen Vosicky back to the Strip on Thursday to watch the Bellagio fountain show and visit the hotel's Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. They are two of her favorite things about Las Vegas, but she stopped going when parking fees became the norm.

The big question: How long will free parking last?

MGM is noncommittal on its website.

"We're implementing free self-parking now as a way to welcome back guests,"it says. "We dont have a timeline regarding future plans or changes."

7. Las Vegas' sales pitch: Las Vegas tweaked its seductive, oft-repeated "What happens here, stays here"marketing slogan in January before the coronavirus crisis began. The new slogan: "What happens here, only happens here."

The shutdown shelved that campaign, and tourism authorities introduced a toned-down glimpse of Vegas in a new TV spot welcoming visitors back.

Vegas being Vegas, all the pitches aren't squeaky clean.

"Think dirty thoughts, but keep your hands clean,"screams one electronic message on the Strip.

1.Resort fees:The pesky surcharges, which can top $45 or $50 a night with tax at Bellagio and Caesars Palace, remain. The resort fee nearly doubled the price of my bargain $30 room at the D Las Vegas downtown when it reopened Wednesday. TheCosmopolitan Las Vegas raised its resort fee, from $44.22 to $51.02, in January.One notable exception: the Sahara Las Vegas, formerly the SLS, is waiving its $37.95resort fee for reservations booked in June for stays through May 2021.

2. Free drinks and frivolity abound:The cocktail servers wear masks, but free drinks still reign on most casino floors 24 hours a day. Heading out for a morning walk? You'll still see someone swilling a beer or bloody mary at a slot machine at 6 a.m.Las Vegas is still a round-the-clock playground where people go to escape.The opening week crowds have been light, the Strip still largely deserted, but there were signs of the typical Vegas as the weekend approached.Visitors from Southern California lugged coolers of booze from their cars to their rooms, and a bachelorettewearing a veil and sash toted a giant souvenir glass filled with one of those frozen slushy drinks sold everywhere.

Las Vegas reopened in time for Toni Reddix, in veil, to visit for her bachelorette party. The group flew in from South Carolina on Friday and stayed at Caesars Palace.(Photo: Dawn Gilbertson, USA TODAY)

3. Smoking:Casinos remain one of the few public places you can still light up inside, and coronavirus hasn't changed that. How can you smoke with a mask on, you ask? Masks are only encouraged, not mandatory, in Las Vegas casinos, and many visitors went without during reopening week. An employee handing out masks with a tong at one entrance to Caesars Palace estimated that 80% of visitors weren't wearing masks during reopening weekend.

Here's why: Smoking won't be banned in Nevada casinos in wake of COVID-19

4. Hefty ATM fees:Need cash to gamble? Las Vegas casino ATMs still charge $7.99 or $8.99 to withdraw your money.

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Same old Vegas? Here's what coronavirus has and hasn't changed about Sin City - USA TODAY

Roulette is a popular casino table game characterized by its cloth covered betting area and a spinning roulette wheel. Today the classic game is enjoyed by people worldwide and is undoubtedly one of the most popular casino table games. Online casinos have strived to offer an experience similar and safer in comparison to classic casinos while playing for real money from the comfort of their desktop or mobile devices.

Video roulette is a variation of this game that allows players to play through a machine and not on the classic table. Most video roulette games present on roulettesites.org/games/video-roulette/ come in cabinet form much like slots and video poker. This form of roulette is preferred as players can play solo, there is no intimidation factor, players can control the game speed, players get statistics on trends, they have a lower minimum bet, it is ideal for learning the game and you dont have to tip the dealer. In recent times, casinos have been considering ventures into the gaming console industry and this article looks at the possibility of that happening.

Over the years casino games have become a big business especially when it comes to virtual online slots and real money roulette. This industry has generated so much revenue over the years that it started to draw in other popular console game developers. The market is ready as players agree that they are ready to start playing their favourite casino games on PlayStation and X-Box, however not much has been done on this side of the business. This is mostly because giants such as Sony and Microsoft were reluctant to promote gambling for real money hence players can only access gaming sites via the in-built browsers in their consoles. With the advent of Social Gaming, this is expected to change as now players can easily access casino games made available to them via the PlayStation store and Microsoft Online Store.

Over the years, Sony PlayStation store has made available games with diverse themes and it is only right that the casino-theme has become a part of this family. However, this development might have to wait a little longer, as Sony PlayStation has recently postponed its PS5 reveal event until further notice, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. This means, therefore, that all other projects might have to wait until this pandemic is off our shoulders.

We believe Video Roulette can be replicated for PlayStation. As seen above, casino games can be incorporated and replicated for console gaming such as with PlayStation. Technology has opened many doors for the online casino industry which has been very proactive when it comes to innovation. With the right innovation, replication of video roulette could be done for standalone games such as the Four Kings Casino, where players could access the casino using an avatar and walk up to the video roulette machines to play.

The game currently only has a classic table but enthusiasts believe an in-game video roulette machine would be highly welcomed. An in-game video roulette machine with an option for free trial or real money would be ideal, especially for new inexperienced players looking to learn and players who prefer to play solo. It also eliminates the possibility of intimidation and the off-putting dealer tips. Besides, technology presents a gadget that means you will never lose at roulette again. It is believed that the system can give one a 100% advantage over the casino. However, many have been questioning its viability and use, as pundits in the sector argue that it counts as cheating. Nonetheless, alternative voices have been quick to argue that using a hidden gadget doesnt really count as cheating.

On the contrary, Video Roulette on PlayStation could be unlikely as developers may argue that PlayStation casinos are designed to be social places and the introduction of video roulette would beat this purpose. Some experienced players also believe that an in game Video Roulette would be a drawback as the higher rate of play could mean more losses for players. Incorporating the different variations of roulette on a Video Roulette machine is also quite unlikely just as it is in online casinos.

Not much has been done to further this venture especially due to mixed feelings about its projected success. However, thanks to a wide range of casino-themed games, Sony has made it possible to bring the casino experience to their PlayStation consoles. Their top standalone casino games here include:

Quite recently there was talk of Rockstar games introducing a casino in their online platform for Grand Theft Auto 5 which would make it possible for players to play for real money within the game. This venture has however taken a backseat as they focus on working on their new title GTA6.

Many enthusiasts still believe that while Video Roulette has its advantages, it is not better than Classic roulette. This may in part be an underlying reason as to why we hardly get to see Video Roulette on gaming consoles. With the little progress on the same, many enthusiasts who own consoles wonder if they will ever be able to play video roulette on their PlayStation. While it was fairly easy to replicate classic table roulette for PlayStation, Video roulette is still not widely available on this platform. This would however be a welcome addition especially for new players who want to try their hand at roulette without the hustle that comes with the game. For now, gamers just have to wait patiently for any updates from the Sony PlayStation team, as they check on all the 2020 video game release dates. Anxiety looms in many of their minds, but the future is more promising than ever, thanks to technological advancements.

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Can Video Roulette Be Replicated on PlayStation - PlayStation Universe

Nevada is allowing some hotels and casinos to reopen on Thursday as part of the second phase of the state's reopening plan.

But Las Vegas casinos won't look quite the same as they did before the coronavirus pandemic. Before reopening, casinos must submit a plan to the Nevada Gaming Control Board that ensures proper hygiene and social distancing measures will be in place.

For MGM Resorts, whose Las Vegas properties include Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, and New York-New York, that means enacting a "Seven-Point Safety Plan" that calls for employee screening, social distancing, enhanced cleaning protocols, and hand-washing stations on casino floors. Employees will be required to wear masks, while guests will be encouraged to do so. In some parts of the resort, like at roulette tables, guests will be required to wear masks.

MGM Resorts gave an early look at its new health and safety measures to Getty Images photographers at Bellagio, which has been closed since March 17.

Here's what they saw:

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Las Vegas casinos reopen with masks, shields, and social distancing - Business Insider - Business Insider

In an outdoor gathering on Friday, the residents of Lake Prince Woods retirement community thanked the staff for their service throughout the pandemic.

As news of the COVID-19 outbreak first made headlines earlier this year, data showed that senior citizens were most at risk of contracting the virus. This risk made retirement communities like Lake Prince Woods take many precautions by changing most of what they do.

A representative from each staff department was at the event, and residents spread out to keep a proper distance. Under the new Phase II restrictions, which began on Friday, 50 were allowed to gather and spread across the main entrance area.

The residents really came together and worked as a group to put this together, said Judy Raymond, the executive director at Lake Prince Woods.

John Sulfaro, the president of the resident association, spearheaded the donation. Even though it was not his idea, he helped make it a reality.

The idea started as a simple gift card, and then it exploded, said Sulfaro. I only had to ask one time, and then I had to set a limit because the residents were giving too much.

The residents and the staff did their parts to keep the virus out of Lake Prince Woods. The residents stayed inside and gave up some of their freedoms, too, to help stop the spread. Employees had to be careful even on their time off that they did not come in contact with the virus and bring it to work.

Some days, it just felt like Russian roulette coming to work, said Raymond. We did everything we could to protect everyone, and we just kept praying. That is the only way we will get through this is to keep praying.

Lake Prince Woods has had no COVID-19 cases, and according to Sulfaro, it was only because of the employees doing their part to keep them safe.

We wanted to make sure we thanked all the employees, not just the visible ones, said Sulfaro as he held a basket full of envelopes for each staff member. We wanted to thank them for their continued services and sacrifices during this time.

The employees and residents have a mutual love for each other and a good relationship. It was shown in their light-hearted attitudes and playful atmosphere as Sulfaro handed out the envelopes.

The staff really rose to the occasion, said Raymond. You can tell that they really love what they do by how they went over and above in everything they did for our residents.

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Residents give back - The Suffolk News-Herald - Suffolk News-Herald

Have you ever found yourself daydreaming about the life of a high-roller?

Having your every want attended to hand and foot while lounging in the cabana pool side or getting that ticket for the hottest Vegas show is not often for the proletariat.

Enter the junket trip.

These all-inclusive casino trips will have you rubbing elbows with the rich and famous, if youre into that sort of thing. Junkets combine your accommodations, food, airfare and a casino trip in a convenient package.

Sounds expensive?

Not exactly or at all.

In fact, these junkets are often inexpensive or flat out free.

Whats the catch, right?

Well, there isnt one exactly. The single requirement is that you gamble.

Imagine setting sail on a cruise where you spend the morning at the blackjack or roulette tables and the evening enjoying the sun set over the open ocean. Think of the possibilities a family trip to Las Vegas provides. What memories would the family make on such a trip? Lavish hotels, fine dining and playing your top casino games is what these junkets are all about.

If you have friends or family that dont enjoy casino gaming, no problem. They can venture to the spa to be pampered or lounge by the pool enjoying drinks and the scenery.

These amazing adventures are similar to your average travel tour service in some respects. Youll just be going with a particular casino as the main attraction rather than a particular regions cuisine or heritage.

These package deals will include your transportation costs to get to your destination, accommodation at luxurious resorts, dining in some of the greatest eateries available and any other overhead that could possibly be associated with your stay.

The only stipulation being that you promise to either gamble for a predetermined amount of time or spend a specific dollar amount gambling.

Casino junkets are not some new age idea. In fact, junkets have been around since 1950s. Early on these trips were organized for the sole purpose of attracting gamblers and tourists alike to Las Vegas Casinos. The popularity of these trips soared for decades.

However, their shine began to dull and they were out of the limelight for a period. Recently though we began to see the popularity of junkets come back. Any avid gambler or even moderate gambler looking for a fun all inclusive trip which to be spoiled should consider the junket.

I am certain you have many questions and Im going to provide answers to some of these now.

In general, casino junkets are geared toward would-be vacationers that love gambling, gamble often and know how to play casino games. That hasnt always been the case. The early days of junkets were solely comped trips reserved only for VIPs, whales and others who spent a lot of time and as importantly money in the casinos.

The casinos would extend the invite and entice the players with posh amenities and staff at their beckon call. Of course, there was an understanding that once the guest arrived all gambling would be done at that casino. Junkets operate in much that same manner today, but you dont have to spend the kids college fund in hopes of catching an invite. Nope, you know who the real VIP is and you can book your own junket in accordance.

Be aware that the travel agencies that offer these junkets have different criteria. Many do accept players of all types. However, others only allow qualified players that meet their own standards. Also, age restrictions are often placed because some casinos wont allow players under 21. Additionally, and this is important to understand, you are typically required to gamble between 4 and 6 hours a day. So, you must be able to have a bankroll heavy enough to support that requirement for the stay.

What this says is that junkets are not for every aspiring gambler on the block. Rather, the junkets are geared to avid players who are able and willing to drop a large amount of money testing fate on the casino floor. Players that meet this qualifier typically get the entire trip for free. Other players ante up for the trip, but at a greatly discounted rate compared to what this brand of high society travel would cost at face value.

Obviously, now that you know qualified players get to lap it up in luxury for no out-of-pocket costs, you want to become one of those qualified. A qualified player is, according to junket operators, a person who has achieved a specific level of casino play.

What level a player stands at in the eyes of the junket company is based on two factors. How much time has a player spent gambling and what is the size of their average bet.

Each company sets their own requirements and if you are attempting to qualify it would probably be in your best interest to contact these companies directly. Bear in mind there are different levels of qualified players. Some may receive a completely free trip while others may qualify for only certain perks.

Depending on whether you are qualified or not and at what level determine the covered expenses. As Ive said, qualified players wont spend a dime on the trip. That includes transportation and flights, luggage and hotel accommodation.

Some operators have really lavished the players with casino comps including food, beverages, golf, skiing, spa time, gym use, VIP pool access and any form of entertainment the resort offers.

If you dont qualify, theres still good news. While you will have to fork over cash for some costs, you are going to be taking your trip for substantially less than it would cost if not for the casino being such a great host.

Certain state and casino regulations mandate certain fees that gamblers must pay. Players are taxed directly and junket operators are prohibited from covering them. You can ask the junket operator in advance if these fees will be incurred.

Gamblers in the United States are able to access a variety of junket trips. The length of the junket is really at your discretion, ranging from weekend trips to stays of several weeks. There is no short supply of possible destinations, including Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Miami, to name a few.

How you arrive at your destination is just as varied as your destination. You may find yourself tarveling thru the air, on land or even by sea. Which one of the options applies to you depends on your desired destination and qualification.

Before you can book your junket tour youll need to select the junket operator. I have found that because of the countless outfits offering these trips, it can be difficult to pick the right one. I suggest starting with only the operators that have destinations that you are excited to visit. This should at least narrow down the vastness of options.

Perhaps you want to channel your inner Bruce Springsteen and visit Atlantic City. Possibly the glitz and glamour of Sin City draw you in like a moth to a flame. Or the high energy action of the casino floor enough to get your attention. You certainly have a multitude of choices.

Next, contact the particular operator youve chosen to find out about their conditions and pricing. Make sure to discover their criteria for being a qualified player, what amount of time or money youre required to spend gambling, and the scope of their all-inclusive packages. I wouldnt want to be hit with any unexpected charges.

Most operators will not publish this information on their website or in print media, which means you need to reach out to them by phone or email.

Junket operators offer some type of trip to just about any destination where gambling is legal. The top 5 arent surprising: Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Mississippi and The Carribean. All these venues are renowned for their breathtaking architecture, wonderful selection of games or amazing locale.

Remember youll be enjoying some local flair while on your vacation. So, dont forget to pack accordingly and please dont forget the camera. Booking a junket trip for your next family vacation is sure to come up Aces.

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What Are Junket Trips - How to Travel and Gamble Like a High Roller - BestUSCasinos.org

Rivers Casino on Pittsburgh's North Shore will reopen June 9. The casino has been closed since March 15 due to the coronavirus pandemic.What does the casino look like now? Click the video player above to see inside Rivers Casino as it gets ready to reopen.New weekday hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. The casino will be open around the clock on weekends, from Friday at 9 a.m. through Monday at 4 a.m.Casino officials said the downtime will be used for deep cleaning, in addition to continuous sanitizing throughout the day. That's just one of many new procedures under the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board's reopening protocols. Masks will be required for guests and employees. A complete list of gaming floor modifications and safety precautions will be posted on the casino's website.To comply with state guidelines and promote social distancing, the casino said it will limit gaming floor and restaurant capacity to 50% occupancy. A customer counter will be used at both entrances."We have removed every other seat from the slot machines," Rivers general manager Bill Keena said. "Table games are going to have three people at each blackjack game; on the roulette will be four, and craps will be six. We are not opening poker."The majority of the gaming floor, including the sportsbook, will be open. Wheelhouse Bar & Grill, Ciao, Drum Bar, Spiral Bar and Flipt will have limited hours of operation.Valet parking, Grand View Buffet and the Event Center will remain closed for now.After most workers were furloughed in April, the casino says 1,000 of its approximately 1,700 employees have been called back to work."And number two is the revenue that has been lost by the industry's closure in Pennsylvania -- which is somewhere north of $100 million a year statewide, just the tax revenue -- is also going to start to return," said Doug Harbach, spokesman for the state Gaming Control Board.

Rivers Casino on Pittsburgh's North Shore will reopen June 9. The casino has been closed since March 15 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

What does the casino look like now? Click the video player above to see inside Rivers Casino as it gets ready to reopen.

New weekday hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. The casino will be open around the clock on weekends, from Friday at 9 a.m. through Monday at 4 a.m.

Casino officials said the downtime will be used for deep cleaning, in addition to continuous sanitizing throughout the day. That's just one of many new procedures under the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board's reopening protocols.

Masks will be required for guests and employees. A complete list of gaming floor modifications and safety precautions will be posted on the casino's website.

To comply with state guidelines and promote social distancing, the casino said it will limit gaming floor and restaurant capacity to 50% occupancy. A customer counter will be used at both entrances.

"We have removed every other seat from the slot machines," Rivers general manager Bill Keena said. "Table games are going to have three people at each blackjack game; on the roulette will be four, and craps will be six. We are not opening poker."

The majority of the gaming floor, including the sportsbook, will be open. Wheelhouse Bar & Grill, Ciao, Drum Bar, Spiral Bar and Flipt will have limited hours of operation.

Valet parking, Grand View Buffet and the Event Center will remain closed for now.

After most workers were furloughed in April, the casino says 1,000 of its approximately 1,700 employees have been called back to work.

"And number two is the revenue that has been lost by the industry's closure in Pennsylvania -- which is somewhere north of $100 million a year statewide, just the tax revenue -- is also going to start to return," said Doug Harbach, spokesman for the state Gaming Control Board.

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Rivers Casino to reopen Tuesday, masks will be required - WTAE Pittsburgh