Can I smoke inside Coast casinos when they reopen? Here’s what to know.
Coast casinos reopen from the coronavirus shutdown on Thursday, but customers are asking if they also will be smoke-free.
The Mississippi Gaming Commission released a long list of requirements casinos must meet before they are allowed to reopen and once they are in operation.
They must be cleaned from top to bottom. Employees must wear masks, and customers will be encouraged to do so.
There are no new requirements for smoking.
People have asked on social media whether smoking will be banned during the coronavirus pandemic.
Scarlet Pearl Casino responded in its frequently asked question, “As before, smoking is allowed in our casino.”
Many of the casinos in South Mississippi have non-smoking sections where customers can play.
Palace Casino Biloxi was the first casino in the Southeast to voluntarily go smoke-free in 2011. The resort closed for a short time that year to complete the expansion and remodel and it reopened totally smoke free.
Now that cleanliness and personal safety is the priority, “We have that head start of being smoke-free already,” said Palace Casino General Manager Keith Crosby.
The resort already is getting calls from people who say they prefer to stay in a smoke-free environment, he said.
Island View’s Beach Casino on the south side of U.S. 90 in Gulfport also is smoke-free, including the casino, hotel rooms and restaurants.
“I’ve been waiting for a smoke-free casino for 30 years now,” Island View co-owner Rick Carter said when the Beach Casino opened in 2018.
Those who want to smoke can do so in the casino and facilities on the north side of the highway.
Smokers will have to drop or remove their face mask when they smoke.
