Encore Boston Harbor is preparing for life after lockdown, and poker players are getting their first look at the new reality of playing cards in a post-COVID world — or at least, what the rest of the casino will look like when the doors reopen.
In a detailed health and safety plan, the resort has laid out sweeping changes aimed at keeping guests and staff safe. The plan includes department-specific protocols and is backed by infectious disease experts from leading academic institutions.
“Each operating department has its own customized set of procedures… We will continue to refine and update the plan as our experts provide us more advice,” said Matt Maddox, CEO of Wynn Resorts.
Two-Layer Temperature Screening at the Entrance
Upon arrival, guests will undergo a two-stage temperature screening process. Anyone showing signs of a fever — specifically a temperature over 100.4°F — will be given a secondary check in a private area. If confirmed, they’ll be denied entry and advised to seek medical care.
New Table Game Layouts & Strict Sanitation
Casino floors will feel noticeably different. Expect:
-
Fewer chairs at table games to enforce physical distancing
-
Mandatory seated play, except at Roulette and Craps
-
Sanitized dice between shooters at Craps tables
Guests staying at the resort will also see reduced room capacity, with many rooms intentionally left empty to maintain social distancing between floors.
What About Poker?
As for poker, Encore Boston Harbor hasn’t yet detailed its specific reopening strategy. While it’s expected that poker operations will follow the same strict sanitation and spacing guidelines, the poker room will remain closed during the initial reopening phase.
That means no cash games or tournaments — at least for now.
