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 Resorts and Ocean casinos said they will reopen Thursday as planned. Children and young people. To comply with the order, the casino is closing its restaurants each night at 10 p.m. A significant portion of Atlantic City's casino customers comes from New York, which leads the nation in total virus cases. On Tuesday, casino executives huddled in staff meetings, looking for more information and trying to decide whether it made sense to reopen at all. Like us on Facebook: PhillyVoice Instead, it will wait. Trump calls off Florida component of Republican National Convention over COVID-19 concern, New COVID-19 relief bill: GOP set to unveil package 'next week'. These Valuable Pennies Are Worth Thousands, Pa. Woman Went Missing in 1992 and Declared Dead. Instead, it will wait until conditions are more favorable. Saturday: 12PM - 12AM The report also found that Atlantic City's casino occupancy rate this quarter was just over 81 percent. 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. Costandino said Johnson is the first Black woman to be the president of a casino in Atlantic City history. The Borgata sent a letter to workers Friday afternoon outlining the cuts. Sunday: 9AM - 4PM. 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. 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. Indoor dining resumed in New Jersey in September after being shut down for nearly six months. The other eight Atlantic City casinos, which had been closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic, reopened their doors earlier this month. The Borgata and all of the other casinos are open but under serious restrictions. Phil Murphy allowed casinos to do so. But the last thing casinos want is their patrons leaving the premises, for any reason. 730 0 obj <>stream 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. For now, certain amenities like salons and spas at Borgata remain closed. Workers and customers are being screened for COVID-19 symptoms upon entry and having their temperatures taken. 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. Patrons and employees are subject to temperature checks and must wear masks at all times. Murphy's order came as the coronavirus rate of infection and number of cases climbs . It's been very pleasant," said Bob Homans, who visited for the day from Baltimore with his wife, Mary. 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. Give us your digits; we'll give you all the insider deals and info. No indoor drinking or dining. endstream endobj startxref Sunday - Thursday: 9AM - 8PM Medical and security personnel on staff will be able to assist should a guest develop symptoms while staying at one of our resorts. Friday & Saturday: 2PM - 11PM, Monday - Thursday: Closed "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. Many casinos had planned to reopen Thursday, the first day the state will let them. Our Commitment 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. In May 2019, total gaming revenue in New Jersey was more than $276 million. Borgata officials told The Associated Press on. Hard Rock, like the other eight casinos, had been making reopening plans that included smoking, drinking and indoor dining as integral. The bans will also reduce the number of laid-off workers who will return. hbbd``b`+@, I|?A+x "E !`R$ (1$&F&7 " UC Phil Murphy announced that though casinos were permitted to reopen in early July, indoor eating, drinking and smoking would be prohibited. Stimulus and Business Updates, Share your coronavirus story with Eyewitness News, Stimulus check scams and other coronavirus hoaxes, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on coronavirus, Total count of NYC, Long Island COVID-19 cases based on patient address, Subway attack victim finds little comfort in NYPD's new crime stats, Male killed in police-involved shooting in Paterson, Deaths of 2 men drugged, beaten after night out ruled homicides. Borgata spokesperson Liza Costandino said the leadership team felt comfortable reopening Sunday after a soft opening Thursday to guests on an invite-only basis. The Borgata sent a letter to workers Friday afternoon outlining the cuts. These Valuable Pennies Are Worth Thousands, Pa. Woman Went Missing in 1992 and Declared Dead. Find out when you can get your booster and where to get a vaccine or booster. 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. Murphy also said crowds at popular spots at the Jersey Shore and elsewhere have not been following social distancing rules or wearing masks. Golden Nugget had the lowest occupancy rate at 64 percent. 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. Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa was the last of the Atlantic City casinos to reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic. She said although the casino technically opened Sunday morning at 10, some guests were allowed in early to prevent a line from forming. Within minutes of Murphy's announcements, made in a news release issued shortly before 10 p.m. Monday, social media lit up with complaints. "It looks a lot different. Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. Their health insurance ends Wednesday, he added. Follow Wayne Parry at http://twitter.com/WayneParryAC, 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. Borgata management is also hoping sports fans will still place their bets at the sports book. In-room dining will be offered all day Saturday and Sunday, and from 4 p.m. to midnight on weekdays. The states latest actions to curb indoor dining comes as coronavirus infections continue to rise. Check Rates Compare Rooms Classic King Smoking 460 sq. In compliance with Governor Murphys Executive Order, fully vaccinated guests are no longer required to wear masks. you are no longer required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Easy to park. PhillyVoice Staff, Beloved Philly music venue Boot & Saddle shuts down due to COVID-19's economic impact, John's Roast Pork shuts down until further notice, citing COVID-19, Philly officials say additional COVID-19 restrictions will be announced Monday, stop indoor service between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. every night, reopened their doors for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic, Phillies injury update: Andrew Painter has a tender elbow, Coworker charged with kidnapping, killing missing Sellersville man, Eli Lilly slashed insulin prices, starting a race to the bottom, NBC10 hires Fred Shropshire to replace Jim Rosenfield as weekday evening anchor, Developer proposes $150 million luxury hotel on Ocean City Boardwalk, Construction of Penn's Landing park over I-95 finally approved to begin, PennDOT says. Guests who have not been fully vaccinated are encouraged to continue wearing a mask. . Employees and guests are both required to wear face coverings while in public spaces. Atlantic City's 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. Privacy Policy Borgata, like other casinos across the state, is operating at 25% capacity and enforcing strict COVID-19 health and safety guidelines that guests and employees must follow. Add Pat's RSS feed to your feed reader Murphys order came as the coronavirus rate of infection and number of cases climbs higher in New Jersey and across the country. Effective January 5 at 12:01 Eastern Time, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will require a negative COVID-19 test result, taken within two days of departure, or proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days, for all travelers, age two years and older, to the United States on flights originating from the But the indoor pool is currently closed. 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. 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. Some said they were scrapping long-planned trips, and others said they would take their business to Pennsylvania casinos. 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. That lasted for 20 days as smokers stayed away, sending casino revenue plummeting. "When we got the executive order that we couldn't have indoor dining, we had to reset. 15, 2021. Follow Pat & PhillyVoice on Twitter: @Pat_Ralph | @thePhillyVoice (AP Photo/Wayne Parry), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Employees and guests will both be required to wear face coverings while in public spaces. 2023 WWB Holdings, LLC. "I was so excited to finally get the call. 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. Tom Sizemore dead at 61 after suffering brain aneurysm, ABC7 New York 24/7 Eyewitness News Stream. Follow Pat & PhillyVoice on Twitter: @Pat_Ralph | @thePhillyVoice To comply with the order, the casino is closing its restaurants each night at 10 p.m. Limitations on gaming tables and slot machines. Guests who have not been fully vaccinated are encouraged to continue wearing a mask. Masks. Bet With Your Head, Not Over It. 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. Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. Friday & Saturday: 9AM - 11PM, Exclusive for Gold, Platinum & NOIR MGM Rewards Members, Sunday - Thursday: 2PM - 9PM In terms of hotel occupancy, Ocean had the highest average room price at $331, while Resorts had the least expensive at nearly $148. With masks on, and seats spaced out Borgata regulars were welcomed back to their favorite games. ", "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. The statewide death toll due to COVID-19 is 14,747 lab-confirmed fatalities. Murphy's order came as the coronavirus rate of infection and number of cases climbs higher in New Jersey and across the country. This May, it was less than $100 million. The current average incidence of infections in Spain over the last 14 days stood at 50.76 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. He said Monday that Health Department officials say indoor settings make it easier for the virus to spread compared with outdoors. Borgata reopened nearly a month after other casinos in July, when Gov. 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. For restaurants, tables may be. The casino has outdoor dining options including an outdoor beer garden; an area of food and beer trucks; poolside at The Water Club, an adjacent non-gambling hotel the Borgata owns; and an outdoor dining location for the casino's top-tier player's card members. %PDF-1.5 % 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. "There's several options just in this area that people can use to enjoy," said Aarons. 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. put its reopening plans on hold in late June, California residents do not sell my data request. 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. She Was Just Found in Puerto Rico, Eagles Have a Shot to Land the Top Cornerback in 2023 Draft. Some researchers think this is a step too far at . But New Jersey will ban both, again, when Atlantic City's nine casinos reopen after more than three months of coronavirus-related shutdowns. %%EOF Our goal is certainly to avoid crowds, she said. Like us on Facebook: PhillyVoice Message and data rates may apply. 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. 1 Borgata Way Before the pandemic, Atlantic City had started to regain its groove, reclaiming its former spot at the nation's No. 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. Each seat at the table is cleaned between guests.Read more MONICA HERNDON / Staff Photographer Gov. While the state has not indicated yet when indoor dining could resume, Borgata decided to move forward with its reopening plans and began welcoming select guests back to the entertainment venue on Thursday. "Atlantic City's recovery is gaining momentum and is on track for an impressive year.". 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. Borgata officials told The Associated Press on Tuesday it will host an invitation-only soft opening starting July 23, and will open its doors to everyone three days later. 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. The late-night announcements from Gov. Get information on travel restrictions by country with our map. It also will also offer room service. Employees we with spoke with at the Borgata say they are elated to be back. requirements for physical distancing of patrons in all gaming areas, restrictions on the number of persons at gaming tables, and the limitations on the availability of slot machines. Testing remains 'vital'. Among internet-only entities, Golden Nugget Online Gaming had a profit of just over $9 million, down from $9.4 million a year earlier. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER. 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. Seems fair. Copyright 2023 WPVI-TV. 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. PhillyVoice Staff, New Jersey issues guidance allowing students to opt for all-remote learning this upcoming school year, Atilis Gym forced to shut down again after violating New Jerseys COVID-19 business restrictions, Mega Millions ticket worth $123 million sold in New Jersey, Phillies injury update: Andrew Painter has a tender elbow, Coworker charged with kidnapping, killing missing Sellersville man, Eli Lilly slashed insulin prices, starting a race to the bottom, NBC10 hires Fred Shropshire to replace Jim Rosenfield as weekday evening anchor, Developer proposes $150 million luxury hotel on Ocean City Boardwalk, Construction of Penn's Landing park over I-95 finally approved to begin, PennDOT says. 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. hb``` eah r`#Y0.fevMYu9+ She runs the pools and other amenities at the Borgata, and had her work cut out for her. Disappointing gaming revenue in Macao continues to saddle Las Vegas company-owned operations in the Chinese region as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. Atlantic City's casinos made more money in the third quarter of 2021 than pre-pandemic in the third quarter of 2019. Check your destination's COVID-19 Community Level before traveling. Social distancing is being enforced with floor markers reminding people to keep six feet apart. But the Borgata decided not to reopen immediately under those conditions. BORGATA REMAINS COMMITTED TO THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR GUESTS, EMPLOYEES AND THE OVERALL WELL-BEING OF THE STATE. As workers get settled into a new routine, recent unemployment numbers from the U.S. Department of Labor show New Jersey had the second highest unemployment rate for the month of June, and an increase from May. "I really don't even think they should open. Borgata, Atlantic Citys casino market leader and one of its largest employers, put its reopening plans on hold in late June. California Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information, California Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Phil Murphy said that the states latest number of COVID-19 infections was alarming and concerning.. Pat Ralph Alongside lifting restrictions, some governments are significantly scaling back their COVID-19 testing capabilities. In-room dining will be offered all day Saturday and Sunday, and from 4 p.m. to midnight on weekdays. Ocean and Hard Rock had the highest occupancy rate for the quarter at more than 96 percent; Caesars was over 93 percent full. This 4-star resort offers a 24-hour front desk and an ATM. "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. Phil Murphy. 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 . By joining this subscription program you authorize MGM Grand to send you automated marketing text message at the mobile number provided. It also tried banning smoking, too. 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. It also must stop serving beverages on the casino floor, which will remain open around the clock. The casino is also offering grab-and-go options at certain locations. Ocean Casino Resort and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino had the highest rates, with both over 96 percent. 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. Above, a gambler playing a slot machine at Bally's casino in Atlantic City on June 23, 2021. State, tribal, local, and territorial governments may have travel restrictions in place. 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..