New Jersey Governor ‘Trying Like Heck’ to Reopen Atlantic City Casinos
Posted on: June 2, 2020, 09:42h.
Last updated on: June 2, 2020, 12:05h.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D) says his administration is actively working to allow Atlantic City casinos to reopen. But the odds aren’t likely that the nine gaming floors will welcome back guests before July.
Atlantic City casinos have been closed since March 16 on Murphy’s orders. Each property is bleeding millions of dollars a day in lost gaming revenue, total win declining nearly $183 million in April as a result of brick-and-mortar operations being shuttered.
Appearing on the AC Mike Show on WOND-AM 1400 last Sunday, Murphy addressed growing concerns that if the casinos aren’t allowed to soon reopen, one or more could permanently close.
It’s probably still too early to give you a very specific answer, but there’s a lot of work going into that right now,” the governor explained. “But we are trying like heck to get toward, I hope, before the Fourth of July, or at least by the Fourth of July.”
It’s not only in the interest of the casino operators to resume operations, but also the state. Trenton missed out on $18 million in direct gaming taxes in March and April compared with the same two months in 2019.
Developing Plan
The governor says his administration is working closely with the Atlantic City casinos to coordinate a safe reopening.
“The bad news is casinos sort of have the attributes that are hardest to deal with this virus. It’s indoors, no ventilation,” Murphy opined. “You’re sedentary, in close proximity. Having said that, they’re big footprints and we think there are successful steps that can be taken to address the challenges.”
Tribal casinos in Connecticut – Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods – opened to the public yesterday with numerous health safety implementations. MGM Resorts, the largest operator of casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, which is opening June 4, released last month a safety plan to reopen its US properties, which includes the Borgata.
Atlantic City casinos are also collaborating with local integrated healthcare system AtlantiCare to develop best practices.
At Stake
The summer is Atlantic City’s most critical period, as beachgoers flock to the shore. Murphy allowed beaches to reopen ahead of the Memorial Day weekend, but casinos have been required to remain dark.
July 4 is typically the busiest holiday of the summer in Atlantic City. And Independence Day falls on a Saturday this year.
The Fourth was on a Thursday in 2019, and Atlantic City casinos reported land-based gross gaming revenue (GGR) of more than $277.18 million during the month – a nearly two percent year-over-year increase.
Murphy announced yesterday that New Jersey was entering phase two of his reopening plan. But the governor says residents must continue to avoid large gatherings.
“Our economic restart must instill confidence among our residents and visitors that their safety, and that of their families, is our number one priority,” Murphy declared. “I encourage all New Jerseyans to continue their vigilance in keeping themselves and their communities safe by social distancing, wearing face coverings, washing hands frequently, and limiting gatherings.”
Atlantic City was not immune from the current social unrest across the country. Mayor Marty Small Sr. said 17 people were arrested during Sunday night protests, including 11 who weren’t residents of the city. At least 20 businesses were damaged.
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Last Comments ( 7 )
I saw this so I figure I put my 2 cents in.Sorry to all and no disrespect to anyone.The bottom line and the truth is your going to get Covid-19 and survive it or you will not its pretty much that simple.I am no way ready to depart this earth at 38 yrs old. and leave my family behind.Yeah New Jersey sucks and I have no clue how anyone can retire in this corrupt state.If all the Political leaders would stop getting involved with political corruption, and just do their jobs.It’s the some story over and over greed, nepotism, ignorance. Like NJ really had to raise the Turnpike and Parkway tolls.during a major pandemic.So here are some Why questions I have,why do we have toll roads,why are property taxes so high,why are beaches not free,Explain as to why NJ has has 566 Mayors, over 3,000 Council Members, 137 Free Holders, 80 Assembly Members, 40 State Senators, 580 Police Chiefs, 537 Municipal Courts, 681 School Superintendents,5,000 Board members and 1 State Attorney General & 587 Assistant Attorney Generals.I am sorry for venting maybe we all need to get out.Who knows a few dollars in those slots machines may help us all.....PEACE
Dear Gov. Murphy I am a senior citizen I Have been going to AC. Since 1985 it's something I enjoy something I miss we have followed all your instructions since MARCH Many casinos have opened already so it's time for our Atlantic City Casino's to reopen If any doesn't wish to go then don't stay home but for those who want to go to Casinos will go for enjoy ment we deserve it so before we are not here to open CASINOS ppp
That cummunist ass Murphy could care less if the casinos open. What a piece of shit this nothing but a game to him he still gets paid from tge tax payers whether people go back to work or not he made the state btoke
As a casino employee, your lack of consideration for the health of employees is disturbing! What has changed pertaining to the virus? No cure, no vaccination, only social distancing. You point out reasons the casinos are unfit to open. But, in the same breath talk about money being loss. ALL MONEY AIN’T GOOD MONEY! Anyone who values money over life is pathetic. Furthermore, gambling brings the worse out of adults. How can you have fun in a unsafe environment. People who are willing to risk it all including their life. For two months worth of revenue. These casinos will have people risk their life just to lay-off in September. Gambling is a addiction and your talking like a drug dealer. No regard for life, just money, sad.
NOT SAFE AT ALL to reopen casinos when there are still many cases of people with the virus and people dying from the pandemic ...! DON't BE IGNORAT
New Jersey governor is an incompetent idiot. You can have thousands of protesters in an enclosed area but you cant open a casino in an environment you can control. Las Vegas had a plan in place they are open. Indian casinos had a plan in place they are open. This governor has made promises he cant keep now hes going to kill a city
AC Casinos after closing had no spike in cases nor had large number of COVID 19 cases. The clientele were mostly New Yorkers due to our close proximity and because their state locked down before NJ. Where is the data to keep AC closed down.