Casinos in Michigan and Detroit have been shuttered since March 23 due to the spread of COVID-19. A deadline for phase 5 of Michigan’s plan to reopen casinos, movie theaters, and gyms, was scheduled for Saturday, July 4.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced in early June that she was optimistic that the proposed phase 5 of reopening would take place on Independence Day, but she declared on Tuesday that it would need to be pushed back due to continued Coronavirus infection spikes in the region, according to the Detroit Free Press.
The irresponsible delay in announcing the postponement for phase 5 in Michigan has area 18+ casinos scratching their heads wondering when they will be able to open their doors to customers again.
Because of the late notice, casinos had already begun to prepare precautions to protect their patrons from potential infection.
Some of the precautionary measures include:
- Face masks will be required by all guests and employees. Some casinos will provide masks when requested.
- Table games and slot machines will feature plexiglass barriers separating customers and dealers.
- All who enter the facilities will have their temperature taken.
- Hand sanitizing stations will be conspicuously placed around casino floors.
- Smoking will be prohibited.
- A certain number of chairs will be removed to create natural buffer zones between players.
- Enhanced filtration systems will be attached to air conditioners that will routinely replace the interior air.
- Cleaning staff will move from station to station, sanitizing surfaces frequently.
- Poker rooms will be closed until further notice.
- Self-serve beverage stations and buffets are not allowed.
- Maximum guest capacities will be reduced to 15%.
Wolverine State casino operators began the preparation process once the Governor lifted a state-wide stay at home order on June 1, with the Michigan Gaming Control Board issuing their requirements just one week later.
Continued infection rate increases have caused Whitmer to approach further phases of reopening more cautiously. Last Thursday saw the highest number of new cases reported in a single day in the Great Lake State with 353.
With the latest schedule pushback by officials, 18 and up gamblers will be tempted to wager with offshore casinos operating outside the jurisdiction of the United States.
Although gambling with offshore betting sites is frowned upon by state authorities, there are no state or federal gambling laws that prevent 18 and over MI residents from partaking in the action.
The offshore casinos offer all of the games that gamblers can expect to find in a Michigan casino, including slots, poker, and even live dealer blackjack that comes incredibly close to duplicating the experience of bellying up to the felt and laying down some chips.
The best part about these online gambling sites is that many of them feature a minimum age of 18 years old to become a member.
These sites are open 24 hours a day and because they do not involve visiting a facility or leaving the house, they adhere to all social distancing guidelines with ease. Visit one of the offshore casinos that we recommend and we think you’ll agree that they are the best option during the extended lockdown.