ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) Atlantic Citys top casino is laying off or cutting the hours of 422 workers in what it says is a direct reaction to strict new indoor dining limits imposed by Gov. %PDF-1.5 % "When we got the executive order that we couldn't have indoor dining, we had to reset. Total gaming revenue dropped by nearly 70% in April and May, according to state figures, even though internet gaming revenue increased compared with the same time period last year. The Borgata and all of the other casinos are open but under serious restrictions. Casino president Melonie Johnson said the cuts were in response to limits that took effect Thursday night under which. Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City reopened to the public on Sunday after being shut down for over four months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Caesars Interactive Entertainment New Jersey had a profit of nearly $5 million, up from $4.8 million, and Resorts Digital's profit was $3.8 million, down from $6 million in the third quarter last year. The Borgata had the highest operating profit at $57.2 million, up from $2.3 million a year earlier. By joining this subscription program you authorize MGM Grand to send you automated marketing text message at the mobile number provided. It also must stop serving beverages on the casino floor, which will remain open around the clock. Have a news tip? The rules that previously applied to travellers coming to Spain no longer apply: you are no longer required to show proof of being fully vaccinated. endstream endobj startxref That angered many in the casino industry. Masks are being provided to those who dont have them. In-room dining will be offered all day Saturday and Sunday, and from 4 p.m. to midnight on weekdays. That lasted for 20 days as smokers stayed away, sending casino revenue plummeting. That caused casinos to scramble to make other plans, including setting up temporary outdoor quarters and offering grab-and-go bags that customers can eat outside or in their hotel rooms. Why would they?". Pat Ralph We are hopeful to return employees to work and increase hours when the executive order is lifted, operations expand and business demand returns," she wrote. Get Directions Borgata, the citys casino market leader and one of its largest employers, put its reopening plans on hold in late June when Gov. Gov. Indoor dining resumed in New Jersey in September after being shut down for nearly six months. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised its guidance on masks, allowing states to ease or outright remove certain COVID-19 restrictions. The venue installed hand-washing stations and clear partitions to protect those working the table games, and also marked off every other slot machine to allow for physical distance between players. Tropicana's profit was $48 million, up from $18.2 million; Hard Rock had a $46 million profit, up from nearly $21 million; Harrah's had a profit of nearly $44 million, up from $19.3 million; and the Ocean casino had a $37 million profit, up from $24 million. Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. The casinos parent company said in a statement at the time that its guests expect a special experience when they come to our property and if we cannot provide that level of hospitality, we feel it best that we remain closed. Borgata faced a challenge in that it isnt located on the Boardwalk and so had fewer outdoor dining options than some of its competitors. To comply with the order, the casino is closing its restaurants each night at 10 p.m. All rooms in the resort are fitted with a flat-screen TV and come with a private bathroom. Seems fair. If you were a guest at an MGM Resorts property within the last 14 days and have subsequently tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19), we ask that you contact us at covid19@mgmresorts.com so that we can provide your information to the local health department to support their contact tracing efforts. Each seat at the table is cleaned between guests. put its reopening plans on hold in late June, California residents do not sell my data request. The daily death toll has been in the single digits and teens in recent weeks, compared to the 25 to 45 deaths. Casinos can offer outdoor dining, and those with beach bars, outdoor decks or Boardwalk seating still plan to offer it. But the Borgata decided to wait. The casino is laying off 73 workers and reducing the hours of 349 others. But the indoor pool is currently closed. New Jersey recorded 4,395 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, increasing the statewide total to 274,736 since the public health crisis began in March. Shutdown orders put into place to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus presented a massive economic challenge for the casino industry in Atlantic City, which also drives millions to the state in tax revenue. New president and COO Melonie Johnson, who previously worked at the resorts parent company, took over at the end of May. Because food isn't allowed to be served inside, poolside dining became crucial, along with the addition of food and beverage trucks just outside the casino. ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey (WPVI) -- The Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City, N.J. opened its doors to a small group of invite-only guests on Thursday. Phil Murphy initially prohibited indoor dining. But even when Plousis compared the profit to the third quarter of 2019, the casinos still did almost 30 percent better this year than before the pandemic. California Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information, California Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy Guests who have not been fully vaccinated are encouraged to continue wearing a mask. Phil Murphy announced Monday, in a joint announcement with New York and Connecticut, the majority of the COVID restrictions on the state's dining industry would be rolled back on May 19 . Pat Ralph Costandino said the reopening that was phased over several days was intended as a way to cut down on the potential for crowds. 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Murphys administration has restricted casinos to operate at 25% capacity. Masks. Liz Warren cleans a clear barrier on the casino floor at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City on Sunday, the first day the casino hotel was open to the public since closing in March due to coronavirus restrictions. But the Borgata decided not to reopen immediately under those conditions. Bob McDevitt, president of the main Atlantic City casino workers' union, said he did not know of any other casino that had done layoffs since the limits were announced on Monday. Have a news tip? It also tried banning smoking, too. The casino is now owned by Rhode Island-based Bally's Corp. "We are pleased that the north end of the Atlantic City Boardwalk 'North Beach' continues to lead the market, with Hard Rock Atlantic City, Ocean Casino Resort and Resorts showing the majority of the increase in comparison to 2019," said Joe Lupo, Hard Rock's president. Saturday: 12PM - 12AM 2023 WWB Holdings, LLC. The report also found that Atlantic City's casino occupancy rate this quarter was just over 81 percent. Friday & Saturday: 2PM - 11PM, Monday - Thursday: Closed Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa was the last of the Atlantic City casinos to reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Casinos were allowed to open in early July at 25% capacity. Workers and customers are being screened for COVID-19 symptoms upon entry and having their temperatures taken. Borgata officials told The Associated Press on. Borgata has been forced to shut down indoor dining service at its restaurants and bars between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. every night. This Oct. 1, 2020, photo shows the exterior of the Borgata casino in Atlantic City, N.J. On Nov. 13, 2020, the Borgata laid off or reduced the hours of 422 workers in response to new restrictions on indoor dining imposed by New Jersey Gov. "A lot more people won't be returning to work," Allen added. No one's coming," said Bob McDevitt, president of a casino employees union. Follow Wayne Parry at http://twitter.com/WayneParryAC, Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. But New Jersey will ban both, again, when Atlantic City's nine casinos reopen after more than three months of coronavirus-related shutdowns. Phil Murphy said Monday, removing limits on outdoor gatherings and allowing stores, restaurants, theaters, and other businesses to operate at full capacity as long as they keep patrons six feet apart. Our Commitment Wynn completes $1.7B sale, leaseback of . ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey -- Atlantic City tried Prohibition once before. It then set about increasing its outdoor dining options, and finally reached a point where it made sense financially to announce it would reopen. Casino president Melonie Johnson said the cuts were in response to limits that took effect Thursday night under which indoor dining must halt from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. But over the last several weeks, the casino developed a reopening plan sans indoor dining and drinking and created new outdoor dining establishments and spaces for guests to eat takeout food from the indoor eateries that reopened. We are hopeful to return employees to work and increase hours when the executive order is lifted, operations expand and business demand returns, she wrote. Employees and guests will both be required to wear face coverings while in public spaces. Before You Travel Make sure to plan ahead: Get up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before you travel. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Roughly 73 workers will be let go and approximately 349 employees will see their hours reduced, according to a letter sent to Borgata staffers that was obtained by the Associated Press. Because we wanted to make sure that whatever we produce for our guests for outdoor dining, it would represent our brand," said Melonie Johnson, Borgata's new President and Chief Operating Officer. "It looks a lot different. Bally's posted a $2 million operating profit in the third quarter of this year, compared with a $13 million profit last year when it was still owned by Caesars Entertainment. Murphy's order came as the coronavirus rate of infection and number of cases climbs higher in New Jersey and across the country. Last Updated Mar. Murphy said he reversed course on indoor dining because of the continuing outbreaks in parts of the country, even though New Jersey has seen a significant reduction in the number of its virus cases. Casino president Melonie Johnson said the cuts were in response to limits that took effect Thursday night under which indoor dining must halt from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. In Atlantic City, where casinos were closed altogether for nearly four months, fortunes have varied. Many casinos had planned to reopen Thursday, the first day the state will let them. Its COVID-19 casino tracker counts 880 casinos currently open and 116 closed, including Philadelphia's Rivers Casino. Find out when you can get your booster and where to get a vaccine or booster. Copyright 2023 by The Associated Press. The statewide death toll due to COVID-19 is 14,747 lab-confirmed fatalities. However, because the casinos were still operating under COVID capacity restrictions, James Plousis, chair of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, told AP that the results are not comparable. Its our job to maintain social distance among both guests and employees.. COVID-19 Help, Information. Alongside lifting restrictions, some governments are significantly scaling back their COVID-19 testing capabilities. Check the entry, vaccination, COVID-19 testing, and quarantine requirements by country before planning your next trip. Phil Murphy allowed casinos to do so. Atlantic City's casinos made more money in the third quarter of 2021 than pre-pandemic in the third quarter of 2019. "I was so excited to finally get the call. Medical and security personnel on staff will be able to assist should a guest develop symptoms while staying at one of our resorts. Do not to buy Raspberry Rally cookies from eBay, Girl Scouts say, Brian Laundrie was 'emotional bully,' Petito family lawsuit says, Pa. woman missing since 1992 found alive in Puerto Rico. Regrettably, due to the adjusted operations and overall impact of the pandemic on business, weve been forced to modify our staffing levels, Johnson wrote in her letter to workers. Ocean and Hard Rock had the highest occupancy rate for the quarter at more than 96 percent; Caesars was over 93 percent full. The casino will host an invitation-only soft opening starting July 23, Borgata officials told The Associated Press on Tuesday, and will open its doors to everyone three days later. Phil Murphy allowed casinos to do so. There is a restaurant. %%EOF Borgata spokesperson Liza Costandino said the leadership team felt comfortable reopening Sunday after a soft opening Thursday to guests on an invite-only basis. These Valuable Pennies Are Worth Thousands, Pa. Woman Went Missing in 1992 and Declared Dead. Friday: 4PM - 12AM "They can sit down and relax, enjoy the pool, have some food and beverage and some great sunshine.". I cover Philadelphia City Hall, writing about how power, politics, and policy shape our city. We ask guests to stay at home if they have COVID-19 related symptoms or live with someone who has recently tested positive. The state Department of Public Health recommends that venues check vaccination or test status for such "mega events." ", "So far it seems operators have been able to successfully balance the currently reduced labor supply with growing consumer demand for resort amenities including lodging," she said. CDC's Summary of its Recent Guidance Review [212 KB, 8 Pages] A comprehensive review of CDC's existing COVID-19 guidance to ensure they were evidence-based and free of politics. "No booze? Last updated on 26 August 2022 Golden Nugget had the lowest occupancy rate at 64 percent. Do. Above, a gambler playing a slot machine at Bally's casino in Atlantic City on June 23, 2021. Jane Bokunewicz, director of the Lloyd Levenson Institute at Stockton University, which studies the Atlantic City gambling industry, said the casinos have been making do with fewer workers "by operating lean. The other eight Atlantic City casinos, which had been closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic, reopened their doors earlier this month. Nevada casinos reopened nearly a month earlier than those in New Jersey, with many of the same health protocols: temperatures checks for guests and workers, mandated masks after being optional for a time, and hand sanitizer stations. According to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, the casinos showed a collective gross operating profit of $310 million from July to September. Murphys order came as the coronavirus rate of infection and number of cases climbs higher in New Jersey and across the country. 695 0 obj <> endobj Borgata, Atlantic Citys casino market leader and one of its largest employers, put its reopening plans on hold in late June. Profits at Atlantic City's nine casinos more than doubled in the third quarter of this year after New Jersey lifted most of its COVID-19 restrictions in May, the Associated Press reported.. And alcohol will still be sold in liquor stores and non-casino businesses. We are hopeful to return employees to work and increase hours when the executive order is lifted, operations expand and business demand returns. Full coverage of the COVID-19 outbreak and how it impacts you, Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Like us on Facebook: PhillyVoice Laid-off workers will remain on the casinos health insurance plan through Dec. 31. RELATED: Trump calls off Florida component of Republican National Convention over COVID-19 concerns. Some researchers think this is a step too far at . Vaccine and testing regulations: As of April 1, 2022, vaccination verification or a negative COVID-19 test is no longer required to attend indoor events with more than 1,000 people. She said although the casino technically opened Sunday morning at 10, some guests were allowed in early to prevent a line from forming. Laid-off workers will remain on the casino's health insurance plan through Dec. 31. This FAQ supplements the information on the Conseils aux voyageurs (Travel advice, in French only) section. Very empty. No indoor drinking or dining. Instead, it will wait. The Borgata casino will reopen on July 26, the last of Atlantic City's nine gambling resorts to resume operating amid the coronavirus outbreak. 730 0 obj <>stream Smoking was still allowed. Poker and valet parking will not be available and operating hours could vary. (AP Photo/Wayne Parry), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. You can watch the game on the big screen inside, but no food or drink. "Through efficiencies, every operator posted a profit in the third quarter, a great accomplishment coming out of an extremely challenging period," Plousis said in a statement. It worked so well that Nucky Johnson, the legendary politician and racketeer, built a Boardwalk empire immortalized on HBO nearly a century later. But that was before they knew they could not let their customers smoke, drink alcohol or anything else, or eat inside the casinos. Prime vantage points allow guests to take in water or city views in tastefully decorated Classic Rooms. Let us know. Add Pat's RSS feed to your feed reader This 4-star resort offers a 24-hour front desk and an ATM. Borgata is Committed to Safety In compliance with Governor Murphy's Executive Order, fully vaccinated guests are no longer required to wear masks. Social distancing is being enforced with floor markers reminding people to keep six feet apart. For restaurants, tables may be. The Borgata says it plans to bring back about 40% of its staff when it reopens. It's been very pleasant," said Bob Homans, who visited for the day from Baltimore with his wife, Mary. Disappointing gaming revenue in Macao continues to saddle Las Vegas company-owned operations in the Chinese region as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. Some grumbled that the governor had sucked the fun out of the casino experience, even as a smaller number defended the decision on public health grounds. When Borgata does reopen, guests and employees will need to follow strict COVID-19 protocols. Liz Warren cleans a clear barrier on the casino floor at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City on Sunday, the first day the casino hotel was open to the public since closing in March due to coronavirus restrictions. Some amenities will be limited initially, but the casino said that it plans to open additional venues in the coming weeks and months. He said Monday that Health Department officials say indoor settings make it easier for the virus to spread compared with outdoors. Above, Bally's, Ocean Resort and Hard Rock Casino are illuminated at dusk despite being shuttered during the coronavirus pandemic on May 7, 2020, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Regrettably, due to the adjusted operations and overall impact of the pandemic on business, weve been forced to modify our staffing levels, Borgata President Melonie Johnson wrote. "This is a 180-degree turnaround," he said. The top-performing casino, the Borgata, almost immediately folded what it saw as a losing hand, announcing it was scrapping its reopening plans for the immediate future. Follow Pat & PhillyVoice on Twitter: @Pat_Ralph | @thePhillyVoice Sign up for NBC Philadelphia newsletters. In terms of hotel occupancy, Ocean had the highest average room price at $331, while Resorts had the least expensive at nearly $148. hbbd``b`+@, I|?A+x "E !`R$ (1$&F&7 " UC RELATED: New COVID-19 relief bill: GOP set to unveil package 'next week'. It initially was slated to resume in early July, but it was postponed indefinitely after COVID-19 cases spiked in other states that had reopened restaurants during the summer. In other words, more than half of the Spanish population - 26.2 million people - are living in a region where community transmission is widespread and . On Sunday, eating and drinking options included a beer garden and food trucks, spaces poolside and under a large tent to eat takeout, as well as hotel room service. Borgata's classic Italian style, elevated. Check Rates Compare Rooms Classic King Smoking 460 sq. Phil Murphy. All rights reserved, the only one that did not to immediately reopen. BORGATA REMAINS COMMITTED TO THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR GUESTS, EMPLOYEES AND THE OVERALL WELL-BEING OF THE STATE. Atlantic City, NJ 08401. Sunday - Thursday: 9AM - 8PM Guests who have not been fully vaccinated are encouraged to continue wearing a mask. 15, 2021. The resort was initially planning to reopen on July 6 after New Jersey approved casinos to resume operations across the state ahead of the Fourth of July weekend. The casino is laying off 73 workers and reducing the hours of 349 others. She Was Just Found in Puerto Rico, Eagles Have a Shot to Land the Top Cornerback in 2023 Draft. sl@uLB\4&)+9)))5x'laajR's%(tHD hhPh`hhhhbX~1BqnZ2Dz?wmW`;[9:L>iF H10(vYW )S; K Consent isn't required to purchase goods or services. Hard Rock, like the other eight casinos, had been making reopening plans that included smoking, drinking and indoor dining as integral. Copyright 2023 WPVI-TV. Many casinos had planned to reopen Thursday, the first day the state will let them. Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City reopened to the public on Sunday after being shut down for over four months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our goal is certainly to avoid crowds, she said. Profits at Atlantic City's nine casinos more than doubled in the third quarter of this year after New Jersey lifted most of its COVID-19 restrictions in May, the Associated Press reported. Gov. "That does raise the question of the potential impact on future employment in the casinos, and if some currently unfilled jobs might ultimately be eliminated.". The Borgata sent a letter to workers Friday afternoon outlining the cuts. This year's third-quarter gross operating profit is over twice the amount in 2020, which was $151 million. Murphy ordered Atlantic City's casinos shut due to the virus on March 16. Atlantic City casinos more than doubled their gross operating profit in the third quarter of this year to over $310 million, compared with the same period a year ago, when coronavirus operating restrictions were in place, according to figures released on November 22, 2021, by New Jersey regulators. French people who are living abroad, travelling or returning from abroad, as well as visitors from abroad, will find answers below to frequently asked questions on COVID-19 measures. All rights reserved. Friday & Saturday: 9AM - 11PM, Exclusive for Gold, Platinum & NOIR MGM Rewards Members, Sunday - Thursday: 2PM - 9PM Message and data rates may apply. It also must stop serving beverages on the casino floor, which will remain open around the clock. After May 19, New Jersey remaining restrictions will include: Six-foot social distancing and masks required inside businesses, including at bars and restaurants. New Jersey will join New York and Connecticut in dropping many of its largest remaining coronavirus restrictions May 19, including removing fixed, percentage-based indoor capacity limits at . The governor has not yet announced when the order will be lifted so, unfortunately, we dont know how long this may last and cannot fully assess any lasting impacts on our business levels.. Add Pat's RSS feed to your feed reader The bans will also reduce the number of laid-off workers who will return. Borgata reopened nearly a month after other casinos in July, when Gov. Gov. "Following the Governor's directive to postpone indoor dining, we took a step back to reassess our reopening date to ensure we could give our guests the world-class experience they expect from us, safely," said Melonie Johnson, who serves as Borgatas President & Chief Operating Officer. Some vowed to come anyway, mixing drinks in their rooms and bringing sandwiches for dinner. In May 2019, total gaming revenue in New Jersey was more than $276 million. The Borgata sent a letter to workers Friday afternoon outlining the cuts. All Rights Reserved. "When we reopen, Borgata will introduce new outdoor dining experiences, as well as a convenient takeout program from several of our fine and casual dining outlets. hb``` eah r`#Y0.fevMYu9+ Limitations on gaming tables and slot machines. . Borgata will also comply with thencurrent CDC, state and local guidelines that provide requirements for - Phil Murphy landed like a one-two punch on Atlantic City's casino industry, already reeling from lost revenue during the pandemic, and making plans to creak back to life at the state-mandated 25% of normal capacity. "The governor has not yet announced when the order will be lifted so, unfortunately, we dont know how long this may last and cannot fully assess any lasting impacts on our business levels., Full coverage of the COVID-19 outbreak and how it impacts you. 1 Borgata Way Regrettably, due to the adjusted operations and overall impact of the pandemic on business, weve been forced to modify our staffing levels, Johnson wrote in her letter to workers. Under the governor's orders, masks must be worn at all times, and no food or drink can be served inside, leaving casinos to come up with some creative options for guests. McDevitt said 60% of his union members had been scheduled to return to work this week. Let us know. The late-night announcements from Gov. She runs the pools and other amenities at the Borgata, and had her work cut out for her. On Tuesday, casino executives huddled in staff meetings, looking for more information and trying to decide whether it made sense to reopen at all. 0 Following the Governors directive to postpone indoor dining, we took a step back to reassess our reopening date to ensure we could give our guests the world-class experience they expect from us, safely, Melonie Johnson, the Borgata's president and chief operating officer, said in a statement.