Senate members in West Virginia issued a letter to Gov. Jim Justice regarding the state’s plans to “open for business.”

Several Republicans, including Sen. Mike Maroney and Senate Majority Leader Tom Takubo, sent a letter to Justice urging that the state start to reopen.

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While a lot of states within the US still have some sort of “stay-at-home” orders in place, others are beginning the process of opening up certain types of business.

The party at Mardi Gras Casino & Resort never stops with some of the hottest casino gaming action in the state of West Virginia! Mardi Gras Casino & Resort offers 90,000 square feet of gaming fun, with nearly 1,000 slot machines of various themes and betting lines, more than 20 live table games and live Poker games. They’ll be face up on the table so you still get to play those games but you don’t use the cards one you’ve used them,” said Eric Althaus, president of Mardi Gras Casino & Resort. Other safety precautions include face shields, barriers, and rotating chips.

Since the Mountain State hasn’t been affected nearly as bad as other areas of the country, some state leaders think it’s time to get the ball rolling.

Both Maroney and Takubo are actually physicians. They, along with many others, want normalcy returning to the state sooner than later.

Senate Majority Whip, Ryan Weld, is in the same boat. According to The Intelligencer, Weld said:

“The time is now to begin planning. We have to be cautious, and we have to take into consideration the advice of medical experts as we begin planning over the next couple of weeks.”

The five retail WV casinos were shut down more than a month ago when Justice implemented the executive order.

Although COVID-19 is still affecting many in the US, daily cases are decreasing regularly. Since WV was not hit as hard as other locations in the country, it could conceivably be one of the first back up and running.

Opening WV casinos and other non-essential businesses

It’s a very difficult time for leaders in every state in the US. Getting residents back to work is essential, but so is keeping everyone healthy and out of harm’s way.

Of course, opening businesses back up will help the nation’s economy, however, is it worth the risk if the coronavirus continues to spread?

Although the WV leadership that wrote this letter to Justice preach taking precaution, parts of the message don’t. The letter reads:

“I have spoken with business leaders, colleagues in the Legislature, and most importantly, many constituents. Although opinions vary, the vast majority are very concerned that new rules and regulations will be an overreaction and the pendulum will swing too far in the direction of undue restrictions. In other words, there is a very real fear that further drastic changes will adversely affect West Virginia businesses and all West Virginians.”

While the financial ramifications of the coronavirus are substantial and only growing, health will always be more important. If businesses don’t take proper safety measures and another outbreak occurs, the state will be worse off than now.

The message to the governor continued:

“If we do make drastic changes, West Virginia will be at risk for significant long-term unemployment and a substantial decrease in state revenue, which would lead to a loss of vital state programs that benefit so many throughout our state. If this were to happen, the unemployment, poverty, and hopelessness brought on by COVID-19 may have the potential to create more havoc in West Virginia than the disease itself.”

Although they make a point, there’s no way a pandemic virus that’s claimed thousands of American lives can be understated. WV and every other state in the country should return back to normal at a pace that prioritizes everyone’s health.

Impact on WV sportsbooks and casinos

WV sportsbooks and casinos would be two businesses directly impacted when and how the state reopens.

Since there are no mobile casino apps in WV just yet, all casino revenue comes from retail casino operations. Sports wagering can still be conducted on the three WV online sportsbooks available:

It makes sense that casino operators would be in favor of getting people back on the gaming floor as fast as possible. Not to mention, the state budget could certainly use some of the gambling revenue that it was getting prior to the shutdown.

And although online sports betting exists, three of the five WV casinos don’t feature a mobile sportsbook:

• Mountaineer Casino
• Mardi Gras
• WheelingIsland

All three need retail wagering to return in order to see any profits. Even if they do open, they still will be missing one key component for sports betting – sports.

The reality is that opening up too quickly could prove to be detrimental.

In spite of the letter sent to Justice, it seems likely that casinos will need to take plenty of caution when they open. This may include fewer seats, tables, and slots to help encourage more social distancing.

Mardi Gras Casino & Resort is currently operating at 50 percent capacity per the state’s directive and features a reduced number of slots, table games, live racing with onsite wagering, and simulcast wagering.

Live racing with spectators has returned. We have several self-betting terminals in the simulcast room and viewing area. The mutual windows are not open at this time. We have a cashier available in the Sports bar. The simulcast room is open with social distancing in effect. The patio is not open. At this time, there will be limited seating available at the First Turn Restaurant. Food and beverage service will not be open at the First Turn. Food and beverage options will be available at the Sports Bar. Please note that all guests must be 21+ to attend any races.

The Betly Sportsbook has reopened.

The Lucky North^® Club has limited hours, and food and beverage options are also limited to grab-and-go selections from the Sports Bar. While our restaurants and cafe are closed for now, our huge Sportsbar is open for all of your favorite beverages and grab and go food items like sandwiches, chips and candy.

Mardi Gras Casino Job Openings

Mardi Gras’ hotel has reopened with limited availability Thursday thru Sunday.

As part of the Play It Safe^™ program, Mardi Gras has new entry procedures. Please be sure to learn more about Play It Safe^™, before planning your next trip.

Casino Hours

Daily - 9am to 4am

When Will Mardi Gras Casino Open Back Up

Play It Safe^™

Is Mardi Gras Casino Open Christmas Day

Mardi Gras Casino & Resort implemented a comprehensive program ahead of its ahead of its June 5 reopening that features new health and safety standards aimed at helping keep guests and employees safe while slowing the spread of COVID-19 that include new entry procedures. The program, called Play It Safe^™, encompasses Mardi Gras’s new operating procedures, which have been reengineered to minimize contact risk. It includes bolstered hygiene protocols to meet or exceed best-practice guidelines of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).