Three Casinos Reopen Today: Here's What to Expect

The huge caption on their Facebook page says it all. The simple words, "Welcome Back" adorn Margaritaville Resort Casino's social media cover photo and it's certainly a phrase that is being trumpeted by the ArkLaTex's newest entry into the gaming market, but by all the riverboat's opening today after the lengthy Coronavirus layoff.

The trio, Margaritaville, Horseshoe Casino and Shreveport's El Dorado Casino Hotel are officially back open for business on Monday. With the two Bossier City boats up and going in the morning and El Dorado opening the doors at noon.

But, like so many businesses looking to recover lost business in the wake of the COVID 19 shutdown, local casinos are faced with a number of new rules and restrictions, put in place for the safety of both their customers and employees.

First of all, like most other reopening enterprises, the casinos will be allowed to operate at only 25% of total capacity, a figure that is determined by taking the total square footage of an establishment and dividing by 60. Social distance rules will also be maintained by limiting the number of players at each table game, with a maximum of three per table for blackjack and six players for craps.

In addition, social distancing of six feet will also be in place for customers going on the riverboat. Plus, on going onboard, players will be offered masks and hand sanitizer (which will also be plentiful on the boat) and all casino employees will be required to wear masks.

According to Louisiana's Gaming Control Board Chairman, Ronnie Jones, the area's other casinos are still putting together their reopening plans for review and approval by the Louisiana State Police. The lone exception is Bossier City's Diamond Jacks's Casino, which announced late last week they will not be reopening their facility.