Presque Isle Downs & Casino to Resume Gaming Operations

After nearly three and a half months of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Presque Isle Downs & Casino announced Tuesday that it will reopen to the public on Friday at noon, as Erie County moves into the green phase.

 The reopening will include new cleaning, disinfecting, and social distancing procedures that were not in place when guests last visited the casino. According to Kevin O'Sullivan, vice president and general manager of Presque Isle Downs & Casino, returning team members went through an extensive training program on federal, state, and local guidelines. This is to ensure the health and safety of both guests and team members.

Like many businesses, Presque Isle Downs & Casino has implemented many guidelines for both guests and team members.

Face masks or coverings will be required at all times for both guests and team members, only to be removed when eating, drinking, or smoking in the designated smoking areas.

Guests and team members will also have their temperature taken before entering the building, and anyone with a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher will not be allowed to enter. Similarly, anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 will be asked to leave.

Hand sanitizing stations, which include mounted hand sanitizer stations, hand wipes, pedestal sanitizers, and slot and kiosk wipes will be readily available throughout the casino to ensure easy access to disinfecting tools. Guests and team members will also be encouraged to wash their hands, and disposable gloves will be available for anyone in need of them.

High-touch surfaces will also be disinfected frequently. These include slot machines, table rails, kiosks, and ATMs.

Shields will be in place throughout the casino floor and at high volume guest areas to provide additional social distancing and safety measures.

The casino hours of operation will resume as normal, and the backside for live racing will reopen July 8. Spectatorless live racing will resume July 27.

While those at the Presque Isle Downs & Casino are eager to welcome guests back, reopening comes with caution, as well as excitement.

"We are looking forward to seeing the many faces we've missed over the last several months," O'Sullivan said in a statement. "We want to be able to provide a fun and enjoyable experience, but we must keep everyone safe from potential risk."

To find a complete list of what to expect during the Presque Isle Downs & Casino reopening, visit https://www.presqueisledowns.com/reopening-faq/.