
Patrons play slots at the Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, Illinois. The Illinois Gaming Board has authorized the state's 10 casinos and the more than 35,000 slots in bars to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic at 9 a.m. Wednesday.
Northwest Indiana's five Lake Michigan casinos soon no longer will be the only game in town.
The Illinois Gaming Board has authorized the state's 10 casinos, along with the more than 35,000 slot machines located in Illinois bars, restaurants, truck stops and elsewhere, to reopen to gamblers beginning at 9 a.m. Wednesday.
"The Gaming Board worked with the governor's office, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to develop a gaming resumption process that protects the public health of patrons and employees, while restarting gaming activities in meaningful way," said Marcus Fruchter, Gaming Board administrator.
Gaming in Illinois shut down March 16 to minimize the potential spread of the coronavirus.
The Indiana Gaming Commission also ordered the Hoosier State's 13 casinos to lock their doors the same day.
Indiana's casinos reopened June 15 after an unprecedented three-month shutdown, while Illinois generally has been slower to reopen all sectors of its economy due to the state's higher COVID-19 case count.
On Wednesday, the reopened Illinois casinos will feature many of the same health and safety protections already in place at Indiana's casinos, including face mask usage, social distancing requirements, enhanced sanitation standards and limited capacity.
Gamblers playing slot machines in Illinois bars also will be required to wear a face mask, may find some terminals turned off to maintain social distancing and must check in with an attendant before sitting down to play.
"The video and casino gaming industry have worked cooperatively and professionally with the Gaming Board to develop best practices that create the safest possible environment for gaming, while adhering to (state and federal health agency) guidance," Fruchter said.
"We appreciate their cooperation and work toward the mutual goal of a resumption that protects the safety and integrity of Illinois gaming."
Blue Chip Casino previews new social distancing measures

Boyd Gaming is implementing its 'Boyd Clean' plan across all properties, including at Blue Chip Casino, to ensure cleaning and social distancing for patrons. Here a placard is set up at a table on the gaming floor.
Blue Chip Casino previews new social distancing measures

Security at the entrance to the gaming floor at Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City will use thermal imaging to read body temperatures of patrons to help screen for COVID-19 symptoms.
Blue Chip Casino previews new social distancing measures

Seats are distanced from each other at Blue Chip Casino ahead of reopening in Michigan City.
Blue Chip Casino previews new social distancing measures

Various slot machines on the gaming floor at Blue Chip Casino are closed to patrons to ensure spacing and social distancing between them in the rows.
Blue Chip Casino previews new social distancing measures

Seats at slot machines are spaced apart at Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City ahead of reopening. Machines in between the seats will not be operable to help with social distancing.
Blue Chip Casino previews new social distancing measures

Hand sanitizer is available at the entrance to Blue Chip Casino's sportsbook.
Blue Chip Casino previews new social distancing measures

Robyn Smith, custodian at Blue Chip Casino, sanitizes slot machines on Friday in Michigan City.
Blue Chip Casino previews new social distancing measures

Kiosks have plexiglass dividers between them near the entrance to the gaming floor at Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City.
Blue Chip Casino previews new social distancing measures

Seats at slot machines are spaced apart at Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City ahead of reopening. Machines in between the seats will not be operable to help with social distancing.
Blue Chip Casino previews new social distancing measures

A plexiglass divider helps with maintaining a barrier between booth seating at William B's Steakhouse at Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City.
Blue Chip Casino previews new social distancing measures

Round mats mark spots in lines where patrons will wait for various services, such as security, kiosks, etc.
Blue Chip Casino previews new social distancing measures

Kiosks at Blue Chip Casino's sportsbook have plexiglass dividers for users when the facility reopens for patrons. One machine in between the other two is closed to help maintain social distancing for patrons.
Blue Chip Casino previews new social distancing measures

Hand sanitizer is available at the hostess' counter upon entry to William B's Steakhouse, one of several restaurants at Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City.
Blue Chip Casino previews new social distancing measures

Brenda Temple, vice president and general manager at Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City, updates the press on the casino's plans to follow social distancing guidelines as they reopen June 15 under rules by the Indiana State Department of Health and the Indiana Gaming Commission.
Blue Chip Casino previews new social distancing measures

Brenda Skabinski, custodian at Blue Chip Casino, wipes down surfaces inside the sportsbook on Friday in Michigan City.
Blue Chip Casino previews new social distancing measures

Adam Iler, custodian at Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City, wipes down the glass doors outside the entrance on Friday.
Blue Chip Casino previews new social distancing measures

Maria Villanueva, custodian at Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City, wipes down seats at cards tables on Friday.
Blue Chip Casino previews new social distancing measures

A card informs patrons of limited seating at a cards table at Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City. Property owner Boyd Gaming has implemented its 'Boyd Clean' plan across its other locations to ensure cleaning and social distancing.
Blue Chip Casino previews new social distancing measures

Chairs are spaced apart at slot machines at Blue Chip Casino to implement social distancing measures.
Blue Chip Casino previews new social distancing measures

Seats at slot machines are spaced apart at Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City ahead of reopening. Machines in between the seats will not be operable to help with social distancing.
Gallery: Blue Chip Casino previews new social distancing measures

Gallery: Blue Chip Casino previews new social distancing measures

Gallery: Blue Chip Casino previews new social distancing measures

Gallery: Blue Chip Casino previews new social distancing measures

Gallery: Blue Chip Casino previews new social distancing measures
