COVID-19 Shuts Miami Casinos Once Again Except for Tribal Venues

Article by : Helen Jul 22, 2020

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As the third-most-populous state with the developed tourism industry, Florida could compete with the leading commercial gaming markets in the United States, each of which making over a billion in annual revenues, but the slow climb to the top through the years – from $507 million in revenues in 2014 to $509 in 2018 – is now at a big risk as Miami casinos are closing once again due to the recent burst of COVID-19 cases. And even the possible legalization of sports betting in the state might not help.

In fact, the truce between the Miami commercial casinos and the notorious pandemics lasted for only about six weeks. On July 2, Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez announced a 10 p.m. curfew as well as closed commercial casinos and strip clubs to protect the public against possible contagion.

The curfew is meant to stop people from venturing out and hanging out with friends in groups, which has shown to be spreading the virus rapidly.

The order will also require restaurant visitors to wear masks permanently except for when they eat or drink.

Gimenez points out that stopping the virus is only possible if everyone takes personal responsibility and follows the order: respect social distancing, avoid meetings and group gatherings, and wear masks when going in public. And while one can hardly argue with the precautions – after all, the number of coronavirus-positive daily tests increased ten times from May to June, and the sad trend still holds momentum – what really surprises is that the tribal casinos are immune to the closure.

How Come Tribal Casinos Can Operate While Commercial Gambling Venues are Closed?

The closure should have shuttered all casinos whether they are commercial or tribal…if the state had had any power over tribal gambling venues. However, surprisingly enough, neither the country nor the state can command the three Seminole Tribe casinos operating in the county of Broward. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Seminole Classic Casino, and Seminole Casino Coconut Creek remain are still catering to punters while complying with the necessary health safety requirements including wear face masks and body temperature screening.

The same story holds true for Miccosukee Resort & Gaming, a gambling complex located on the outskirts of Miami and run by the Miccosukee Tribe. The casino is still open and offers more than two thousand slot-like electronic bingo machines.

When Will Casinos Reopen?

The COVID-19 temporary closure is valid until further notice. In other words, neither the state government nor casinos themselves have any idea of the further development of the situation. Enter any of the commercial casinos in Miami and you will get the same promise of notifying you of any important changes, news, and updates.

Meanwhile, as the COVID-19 counter has skyrocketed to keep at the mark of 10,000+ new cases per day, it’s only reasonable to look for online gambling alternatives, which, though not regulated in the state – you will not find any authorized online casinos based in Florida – are not prohibited as well. Keep safe and may luck be with you in gambling and all your strive.