The Kansas Lottery today announced the suspension of all state-owned casino gaming, starting at the end of business on March 17, until at least March 30.
This includes the Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas.
The decision was made after consultation with the Kansas governor’s office and the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, according to a lottery spokesman.
According to the Kansas Lottery, the closures were decided after Gov. Laura Kelly’s executive order to ban gatherings of more than 50 people, following the CDC recommendations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other casinos affected in Kansas include the Kansas Crossing in Pittsburg, Kansas, the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Kansas, and Boot Hill Casino in Dodge City, Kansas.
Casinos also were mentioned in the Wyandotte County-KCK emergency order from the Unified Government Health Department last night. Casinos in Wyandotte County were ordered closed effective “12:01 a.m. March 17,” which was about 11 hours ago, by the UG’s chief medical officer.
The Hollywood Casino was still open as of this morning, and a state Lottery spokesman said the state’s order would go into effect at the close of business on March 17.
Tribal casinos are not under the state’s jurisdiction, the Lottery spokesman said, but they would be urged to follow the state’s example and think of the safety of employees and the public.
“The health and safety of casino guests and employees is of the utmost importance,” the Lottery stated in a news release. “The Lottery understands the impact this decision will have on both players and employees, but the State must be dedicated to doing its part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Kansas communities. “
The Kansas Lottery and casino managers will actively monitor the COVID-19 situation and will continue complying with government recommendations for operational procedures, according to the Lottery’s spokesman.
For more information about COVID-19, visit http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm.
