For Atlantic City casinos, forced to close March 16 until further notice due to the coronavirus, further notice has come.
On Monday, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced that Atlantic City's nine casinos can reopen to gamblers on July 2 with 25% capacity limits.
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On the same day, spectators can place live wagers at horse-racing facilities. This comes just in time for Monmouth Park's July 3 delayed live-meet opening.
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Atlantic City casinos prep for reopening
The ability to open before the holiday weekend and take live bets has been considered crucial for the track's ability to survive.
Casinos, meanwhile, are planning their re-emergence from a 107-day COVID-19 shutdown, which crippled second-quarter financial results.
Thousands of layoffs and millions of dollars in lost revenue have occurred during this period, although NJ online gaming revenues have increased.
The state has lost close to $20 million in direct tax revenue, according to industry estimates. Thankfully, that's about to change.
'Thousands of New Jerseyans can now get back to work,' Murphy said on Monday. He added that the casino industry's offer to partner with the state to assist with contact-tracing data impacted the decision to reopen.
Some casinos may only open for 'friends, family and loyal customers' on July 2 to test the new protocols, Murphy said.
Borgata Atlantic City confirmed via a press release on Tuesday that it would not open to the public until July 6.
Indoor dining limits at statewide restaurants will also be 25% capacity, Murphy indicated, but he was optimistic that those percentages would increase before long. The percentage extends to casino restaurants.
Health guidelines at AC casinos will be strictly enforced
Although health-related protocols are not finalized, Murphy told casino visitors to expect mandatory health screening, mask wearing and density limits inside.
He said the measures will be strictly enforced.
'I hate to even say this, but if any visitor refuses to comply with these simple safeguards, the person will be escorted out of the casino. We are not going to tolerate any knuckleheads for the people who are enjoying themselves responsibly and for the people who need to get back to work.'
Atlantic City casino executives and some area mayors have spoken regularly with Murphy over the last couple of months. They have offered safety measures designed to help restart business and gaming operations.
Regarding contact tracing, for example, casino players are rated. Properties have databases that can provide information on a majority of their players to state officials.
Based on the pace of announcements, the casino industry appears to be leading the enhanced health effort rather than reacting to regulations.
Murphy cited the partnership between gaming and state officials Monday, saying that 'the conversations with our friends in the casino industry will continue.'
Hard Rock AC, other casinos release safety plans early
Casinos in Atlantic City have been slowly releasing safety procedures since May.
Borgata and its parent company MGM announced a seven-point safety plan, and Resorts is installing air purifiers throughout its property.
Hard Rock Atlantic City released some of its mandatory policies ahead of Monday's announcement. They include:
- Mandated masks (guests and team members)
- Temperature checks (guests and team members)
- A new Safe + Sound Clean Team
- Increased quality of air circulation
- AtlantiCare partnership focused on contact tracing, training, telehealth and more
'We're delighted to get the reopening date,' said Joe Lupo, president of the Hard Rock casino.
'We thank the governor that we'll be able to be open for the July Fourth weekend to meet the demand on the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk.'
Late Monday afternoon, Ocean Casino Resort sent a media advisory regarding its iconic rooftop ball. It will be utilized as a countdown starting Monday at dusk and running through July 1.
This means July 2 is New Year's Day number 2 in 2020.
Counting down the days on our beacon of light! How excited are you for our reopening on July 2nd?⬇️ pic.twitter.com/6csvzWWX0L
— Ocean Casino Resort (@TheOceanAC) June 23, 2020
Up and down the Boardwalk, casino receptionists enthusiastically greeted callers, providing more general information than normal in response to inquiries.
There is a sense of rebirth similar to the opening of a casino property.
Reading between the lines
Given Murphy's hope for dining capacity to increase and the conversations casino officials have had with him, it's reasonable to believe the operational capacity will expand sooner rather than later.
But Murphy maintained a cautious approach Monday, reminding people 'to use common sense for the common good.'
He noted that New Jersey's social distancing measures, forcing the shutdown of the industry and Garden State businesses, had been worthwhile.
'We had the pain of discipline, not the pain of regret,' Murphy said.
Two significant pieces of data drove the reopening announcement, Murphy said.
New Jersey's positive test rate for COVID-19 was 2.42%, a number that had been 'at least five or six times higher' in recent months.
The new spread rate is 0.76%, he said. That means for every positive test, there is fewer than one new case.
But Murphy also said people may be letting their guard down too much and should maintain social distancing protocols.
‘The middle part of the second phase'
On Monday, New Jersey pools, barbershops, salons and tattoo parlors reopened with COVID-19 restrictions. Murphy called Monday the middle part of the second phase of reopening from coronavirus closures.
As expected on Monday, the restriction on outdoor gatherings increased to 250 people, and indoor gatherings are now capped at 100 or 25% capacity.
It's uncertain how casinos will vary their use of 25%. Rooms, for example, are not likely going to be 100% available for reservations.
It's also not known how restaurants on casino grounds that are not owned by the casino count toward its percentage of space.
Gaming officials hope that won't be a consideration for too long and that the next 'further notice' will signal expanded operations.
Atlantic City casinos have been back in action for months, but Atlantic City dining has been under restrictions that have mostly relegated it to outdoor options so far.
That's all about to change.
On Friday, AC casinos can start welcoming guests to dine indoors again. That doesn't mean things are back to the way they were before the COVID-19 pandemic began, however.
The restaurants at Atlantic City's nine casinos still have to abide by a set of protocols to keep everyone safe. Despite that, the casinos are offering specials and a wide menu of culinary delights to celebrate another amenity they can once again offer guests.
Atlantic City dining indoors: what to know before you go
As previously mentioned, there are still statewide restrictions for indoor dining in place. Gov. Phil Murphy laid out the basics.
NEW: Restaurants statewide will be able to open for indoor dining beginning this FRIDAY at 25% capacity and with social distancing between tables.
Reopening responsibly will help us restore one of our state's key industries while continuing to make progress against #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/EPdEfi5Dmh
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) August 31, 2020
As Murphy noted, the 25% capacity applies to the restaurant areas inside casinos, meaning they can only seat a quarter of the guests they normally would at one time.
Although guests obviously won't have to wear face masks while they're drinking and eating, masks will still be mandatory in the restaurant and everywhere else in casinos. Turning stone resort casino new york.
Food and beverages at restaurants must be consumed while seated. And another note for guests: Smoking is prohibited at AC casinos for now per a recent order from Murphy.
Open-container rules are for real on the Boardwalk
Speaking of drinking, that's also been in the news lately as it pertains to Atlantic City. Murphy finalized a legal change that allows open-carry consumption of alcohol in many areas near the casinos.
That includes parts of the beaches, the famous Boardwalk and other zones. Murphy didn't hesitate to extoll the benefit of the change.
'Despite the economic hardship that this pandemic has levied on our casino and hospitality industries, the Atlantic City community has once again proven its resiliency and readiness for a strong future,' Murphy said.
He said the measures will be strictly enforced.
'I hate to even say this, but if any visitor refuses to comply with these simple safeguards, the person will be escorted out of the casino. We are not going to tolerate any knuckleheads for the people who are enjoying themselves responsibly and for the people who need to get back to work.'
Atlantic City casino executives and some area mayors have spoken regularly with Murphy over the last couple of months. They have offered safety measures designed to help restart business and gaming operations.
Regarding contact tracing, for example, casino players are rated. Properties have databases that can provide information on a majority of their players to state officials.
Based on the pace of announcements, the casino industry appears to be leading the enhanced health effort rather than reacting to regulations.
Murphy cited the partnership between gaming and state officials Monday, saying that 'the conversations with our friends in the casino industry will continue.'
Hard Rock AC, other casinos release safety plans early
Casinos in Atlantic City have been slowly releasing safety procedures since May.
Borgata and its parent company MGM announced a seven-point safety plan, and Resorts is installing air purifiers throughout its property.
Hard Rock Atlantic City released some of its mandatory policies ahead of Monday's announcement. They include:
- Mandated masks (guests and team members)
- Temperature checks (guests and team members)
- A new Safe + Sound Clean Team
- Increased quality of air circulation
- AtlantiCare partnership focused on contact tracing, training, telehealth and more
'We're delighted to get the reopening date,' said Joe Lupo, president of the Hard Rock casino.
'We thank the governor that we'll be able to be open for the July Fourth weekend to meet the demand on the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk.'
Late Monday afternoon, Ocean Casino Resort sent a media advisory regarding its iconic rooftop ball. It will be utilized as a countdown starting Monday at dusk and running through July 1.
This means July 2 is New Year's Day number 2 in 2020.
Counting down the days on our beacon of light! How excited are you for our reopening on July 2nd?⬇️ pic.twitter.com/6csvzWWX0L
— Ocean Casino Resort (@TheOceanAC) June 23, 2020
Up and down the Boardwalk, casino receptionists enthusiastically greeted callers, providing more general information than normal in response to inquiries.
There is a sense of rebirth similar to the opening of a casino property.
Reading between the lines
Given Murphy's hope for dining capacity to increase and the conversations casino officials have had with him, it's reasonable to believe the operational capacity will expand sooner rather than later.
But Murphy maintained a cautious approach Monday, reminding people 'to use common sense for the common good.'
He noted that New Jersey's social distancing measures, forcing the shutdown of the industry and Garden State businesses, had been worthwhile.
'We had the pain of discipline, not the pain of regret,' Murphy said.
Two significant pieces of data drove the reopening announcement, Murphy said.
New Jersey's positive test rate for COVID-19 was 2.42%, a number that had been 'at least five or six times higher' in recent months.
The new spread rate is 0.76%, he said. That means for every positive test, there is fewer than one new case.
But Murphy also said people may be letting their guard down too much and should maintain social distancing protocols.
‘The middle part of the second phase'
On Monday, New Jersey pools, barbershops, salons and tattoo parlors reopened with COVID-19 restrictions. Murphy called Monday the middle part of the second phase of reopening from coronavirus closures.
As expected on Monday, the restriction on outdoor gatherings increased to 250 people, and indoor gatherings are now capped at 100 or 25% capacity.
It's uncertain how casinos will vary their use of 25%. Rooms, for example, are not likely going to be 100% available for reservations.
It's also not known how restaurants on casino grounds that are not owned by the casino count toward its percentage of space.
Gaming officials hope that won't be a consideration for too long and that the next 'further notice' will signal expanded operations.
Atlantic City casinos have been back in action for months, but Atlantic City dining has been under restrictions that have mostly relegated it to outdoor options so far.
That's all about to change.
On Friday, AC casinos can start welcoming guests to dine indoors again. That doesn't mean things are back to the way they were before the COVID-19 pandemic began, however.
The restaurants at Atlantic City's nine casinos still have to abide by a set of protocols to keep everyone safe. Despite that, the casinos are offering specials and a wide menu of culinary delights to celebrate another amenity they can once again offer guests.
Atlantic City dining indoors: what to know before you go
As previously mentioned, there are still statewide restrictions for indoor dining in place. Gov. Phil Murphy laid out the basics.
NEW: Restaurants statewide will be able to open for indoor dining beginning this FRIDAY at 25% capacity and with social distancing between tables.
Reopening responsibly will help us restore one of our state's key industries while continuing to make progress against #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/EPdEfi5Dmh
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) August 31, 2020
As Murphy noted, the 25% capacity applies to the restaurant areas inside casinos, meaning they can only seat a quarter of the guests they normally would at one time.
Although guests obviously won't have to wear face masks while they're drinking and eating, masks will still be mandatory in the restaurant and everywhere else in casinos. Turning stone resort casino new york.
Food and beverages at restaurants must be consumed while seated. And another note for guests: Smoking is prohibited at AC casinos for now per a recent order from Murphy.
Open-container rules are for real on the Boardwalk
Speaking of drinking, that's also been in the news lately as it pertains to Atlantic City. Murphy finalized a legal change that allows open-carry consumption of alcohol in many areas near the casinos.
That includes parts of the beaches, the famous Boardwalk and other zones. Murphy didn't hesitate to extoll the benefit of the change.
'Despite the economic hardship that this pandemic has levied on our casino and hospitality industries, the Atlantic City community has once again proven its resiliency and readiness for a strong future,' Murphy said.
Caesars Hotel Atlantic City
'By permanently allowing outdoor consumption of alcoholic beverages in certain areas of the Tourism District, we can extend short-term support to small businesses who need it and further strengthen the resurgence of Atlantic City as the East Coast's premier resort destination.'
Indoor dining options in Atlantic City
In conjunction with the return to indoor dining, AC casinos are rolling out the red carpet for guests.
Following is a breakdown by casino of what's opening for indoor dining Friday. Bars and lounges are reopening as well, but not all offer indoor seating. However, drinks are now allowed on the casino floor.
We will update the list with new information as it becomes available:
Bally's
- Buca di Beppo
- Guy Fieri's Chophouse
- Harry's Oyster Bar
- Johnny Rockets
Outdoor seating and to-go services are still up and running for most restaurants at Bally's. Sac O' Subs, Walt's Primo Pizza, and Guy's Bar-B-Que Joint offer takeout menu items.
Borgata
- Angeline by Michael Symon*
- BetMGM Sportsbook & Bar
- Bobby Flay Steak*
- Borgata Baking Company
- Bread + Butter
- Izakaya by Michael Schulson*
- The Metropolitan
- Noodles of the World
- Old Homestead Steak House*
- Starbucks
Borgata's indoor eateries will not offer paper menus but rather have digital menus that guests can view on smartphones. The casino's fine dining outlets (marked with an asterisk) will require reservations. Guests may obtain those by calling 609-317-1000.
📱 Each #BorgataAC restaurant now has their own QR code to make viewing menus contactless. 🍴 Indoor dining operations will resume on September 4 at 25% capacity and with social distance between tables. https://t.co/ytzbYcdWQH.
✨Call 609.317.1000 to book your reservation. pic.twitter.com/Dt7qELXa5E
— BORGATA (@BorgataAC) September 3, 2020
Borgata plans to continue offering its outdoor beer garden and its own delivery/takeaway service BorgataEATS despite the new indoor dining options.
Additionally, several of the restaurants will continue to offer grab-and-go items.
Caesars Atlantic City
- Nero's
- Betty's Back Room (Saturdays only)
- Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill
- Kwi Noodle Bar
- Morton's The Steakhouse
Additionally, the Beachside Bar is open on weekends. Palace Court Pizza and Tazza are available for to-go service only.
In-room delivery from Gordon Ramsay's restaurant is available on weekends. And be advised: Reservations are recommended when eating indoors.
Golden Nugget
- Bar 46
- Bill's Bar & Burger
- Chart House
- Chairman's Club
- Lillie's Asian Cuisine
- Michael Patrick's
- Party Pit
- Rush Lounge
- Vic & Anthony's Steak House
The Chairman's Club is reserved for Chairman and Elite members only. All of Golden Nugget's other dining options will continue to serve guests on a carryout or outdoor seating basis.
Reservations are strongly recommended for the Chart House and Vic & Anthony's.
Hard Rock
- Center Bar
- Council Oak Steaks & Seafood
- Hard Rock Café
- Kuro
- Legends Lounge
- Lobby Bar
- Sugar Factory
- YOUYU Noodle Bar
Hard Rock will also reopen the Plum Lounge and DAER Deck on Friday for X Card members. Many of the above properties will continue to feature carryout and outdoor dining. The casino recommends reservations for indoor dining.
In addition, Hard Rock will host some events involving its dining properties soon. These will include beer and wine tastings. Guests must register in advance by visiting the Hard Rock website.
Hard Rock currently offers a promo especially for guests who dine at two of its restaurants.
Cheers to indoor dining reopening! The safety of our guests and team members is our top priority and we can't wait to safely welcome you back. We are giving you a chance to win a 2 night stay and dinner at Council Oaks Steaks & Seafood and Kuro. 🍣 https://t.co/wEdKUARnq9pic.twitter.com/BXRUH31huu
— Hard Rock Atlantic City (@HardRockHCAC) September 1, 2020
Harrah's Atlantic City
- Martorano's
- McCormick & Schmick's Seafood
Coastal Craft Kitchen & Bar will reopen for indoor dining after Labor Day. The AC Burger Co. on the Baywalk offers outdoor service and takeout.
Alfresco dining at Gordon Ramsay Steak will continue as well.
Ocean Casino
- American Cut
- Dolce Mare
- Harper's
- Zhen Bang Noodle & Sushi
Pit Boss BBQ will have limited hours Sept. 6-7. Topgolf Swing Suite remains temporarily closed. The bar at the William Hill sportsbook also remains temporarily unavailable.
Reservations are recommended for all indoor dining, as space is limited. But restaurants at Ocean Casino also include takeout options and/or outdoor seating where available.
Resorts Atlantic City
Caesars Atlantic City Online Sports Betting
- Bar One
- Breadsticks Café
- Capriccio
- Eastwind and Mukashi
- Gallagher's Steak House
- Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville
- Landshark Bar & Grill
- Quick Bites Food Court (+ Quick Bites Patio)
Resorts will reopen 5 O'Clock Somewhere on Sept. 11. Gallagher's Steak House will open on Saturday, Sept. 5.
All venues will offer outdoor seating options along with takeout for guests who prefer to dine that way.
Tropicana
- Palm Restaurant
- Cuba Libre
- Broadway Burger Bar
- Carmine's
- PF Chang's Atlantic City
Tropicana advises on its website that reservations are recommended. Most of the indoor dining options listed above use Open Table to reserve a table.
Where available, restaurants offer outdoor dining, and most provide takeout options, too. The Quarter is also open for shopping.
Today's the day! We're so excited indoor dining is back! 🎉 Visit https://t.co/Xo7ghtXi6v for menus, hours & reservations. See you soon! #TropEats#IndoorDining#DoACpic.twitter.com/aPhvJKcFHd
— Tropicana AC (@TropicanaAC) September 4, 2020
Are you hungry yet? Atlantic City is waiting
If these properties aren't your destinations of choice, don't be dismayed. The other half of Atlantic City's nine casinos are preparing to offer indoor dining again as well.
Gambling In Atlantic City
Guests can find the latest information about outdoor dining options at all AC casinos here. Slot komutları csgo.
While there are still protocols in place, the resumption of indoor dining activities even at a reduced level means more reasons for people to visit Atlantic City's casinos and more casino workers back on the job.
Murphy's decision to make alcohol open-carry a permanent fixture of the Boardwalk is a huge plus, too.
