Image by Andrii Ganzevych

SJ Strives To Reopen Casino Cardrooms Shortly

Article by : Helen Sep 9, 2020

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We all know that mass gatherings of people had become prohibited this year due to Covid-19. According to official authorities, similar restrictions have been introduced in all US states. They are one of the main tools for how administrations can fight coronavirus and reduce the number of new cases of the disease.

On the other hand, such restrictions are one of the main obstacles to business, including land-based casinos, cinemas, restaurants, and other entertainment establishments. Outdoor entertainment looks like the best alternative at the moment. Several states have already experimented with open-air public dining and even tried to run open-air casinos where appropriate. The California authorities are likely to vote on the possibility of moving casino operations out of town. However, such an initiative is unlikely to receive support among local residents who are desperately fighting Covid-19.

On September 1, San Jose City Council is expected to consider granting permission for Bay 101 and Casino M8trix to operate as open-air casinos. The point is to place large tents outside the city limits and provide them with the appropriate equipment. Operators will need to mandate customers to comply with social distancing guidelines and other necessary security protocols.

According to state officials, this is a win-win solution. Casino operators will resume their business, and the city budget will be able to receive tax deductions. In the meantime, locals will be able to try their luck at open casinos and not risk contracting Covid-19. Today San Jose is out of work after the closure of all gambling houses. The city currently has an emergency order allowing many industries to restart their outdoor activities. The primary obligation for businesses is to comply with all safety and personal hygiene measures for visitors and staff.

Nevertheless, the card tables launched in 2018-2019 that were able to bring the city $18.9 million in tax deductions were not included in the list of businesses that can open their doors.

The next few years will provide a real economic catastrophe for the city budget. According to preliminary estimates, this concerns a budget hole of at least $100 million. Therefore, the city authorities must jump through hoops to launch absolutely all businesses and raise the necessary amount of tax deductions to ensure society’s life.

There are a lot of factors to consider to launch open-air casinos. This includes compliance with all necessary safety requirements, a competent selection of a location that suits casino operators, and has minimal impact on the environment. In almost all cases, when the land-based casino market requires changes or improvements in conditions, some people express a fundamentally hostile position. Most often, this position is not substantiated by anything, which causes particular concern. The city authorities will definitely face an acute problem of lack of tax payments. Therefore, the casino relaunch became a very tempting idea, which the official authorities seized on.

Due to a shortfall in the city budget, Bay 101 and Casino M8trix will have to pay higher taxes starting 2021. If the authorities attempted to restart these businesses and allow them to operate outside the city, this could reduce the degree of discontent.

Starting August 10, Stars Casino, in the city of Tracy, launched its outdoor business. The gambling establishment became the first operator in California, given official permission to restart the company. The gambling operator decided to place the gambling tables outdoors with a smaller number of players. The casino undertakes to monitor visitors’ temperature regime and oblige all guests to use protective face masks.