Gaming Resumption Update Based on 1/18/21 Regional Reclassifications

Regions across the State were reclassified by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) on January 18, 2021. The regional metrics can be found here at the IDPH’s website: http://www.dph.illinois.gov/regionmetrics?regionID=1

EFFECTIVE AT 8AM JANUARY 19, 2021, THE FOLLOWING MITIGATIONS WILL APPLY FOR CASINO GAMBLING AND VIDEO GAMING OPERATIONS IN NEWLY RECLASSIFIED REGIONS:

Phase 4 Mitigations for Regions 3 and 5

• Casino gambling at licensed casinos in Phase 4 regions may resume operations pursuant to each casino’s approved Pandemic Resumption Plan under normal business hours, limited to 50% of fire code capacity. Food and beverage service is permitted. Masks must be worn at all times inside the casino. Congregating around table games, carnival games and EGDs is prohibited. Existing social distancing, sanitizing and other mitigation protocols and measures in approved Casino Pandemic Resumption Plans remain in effect.

• Video gaming at licensed video gaming locations in Phase 4 regions may resume pursuant to the mitigations in approved Terminal Operator Pandemic Resumption Plans. Food and beverage service is permitted subject to applicable IDPH guidelines for bars and restaurants. Masks must be worn at all times inside the video gaming area. Congregating around video gaming terminals is prohibited and there is a one person per video gaming terminal limitation. Existing social distancing, sanitizing and other mitigation protocols and measures in approved Terminal Operator Pandemic Resumption Plans remain in effect.

Tier 1 Mitigations for Regions 1, 2, and 6

• Casino gambling at licensed casinos in Tier 1 regions is restricted to within the hours of 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, and casino occupancy is limited to 25% of fire code capacity. Food and beverage service is suspended on the gaming floor, but indoor dining is permitted in designated non-gaming areas subject to IDPH guidance for restaurants and bars. Masks must be worn at all times inside the casino. Congregating around table games, carnival games and EGDs is prohibited. Existing social distancing, sanitizing and other mitigation protocols and measures in approved Casino Pandemic Resumption Plans remain in effect.

• Video gaming at licensed video gaming locations in Tier 1 is restricted within the hours of 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. Food and beverage service inside the video gaming area is suspended. Food and beverage service within the establishment is allowed pursuant to applicable IDPH guidance for bars and restraurants. Masks must be worn at all times inside the video gaming area. Congregating around video gaming terminals is prohibited and there is a one person per video gaming terminal limitation. Existing social distancing, sanitizing and other mitigation protocols and measures in approved Terminal Operator Pandemic Resumption Plans remain in effect.

Tier 2 Mitigations for Region 8, 9, 10, and 11

• Casino gambling at licensed casinos in Tier 2 regions is restricted to within the hours of 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, and casino occupancy is limited to 25% of fire code capacity. Food and beverage service is suspended inside casinos, while outdoor service, curbside and carryout is permitted. Masks must be worn at all times inside the casino. Congregating around table games, carnival games and EGDs is prohibited. Existing social distancing, sanitizing and other mitigation protocols and measures in approved Casino Pandemic Resumption Plans remain in effect.

• Video gaming at licensed video gaming locations in Tier 2 regions is restricted within the hours of 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. Food and beverage service inside the video gaming area is suspended, while outdoor service, curbside and carryout is permitted. Masks must be worn at all times inside the video gaming area. Congregating around video gaming terminals is prohibited and there is a one person per video gaming terminal limitation. Existing social distancing, sanitizing and other mitigation protocols and measures in approved Terminal Operator Pandemic Resumption Plans remain in effect.

Tier 3 Mitigation for Region 4 and 7

Casino gambling and video gaming remain suspended until further notice from the IGB.

Marcus Fruchter, IGB