Introduction
The COVID-19 outbreak has forced many businesses worldwide to shut down temporarily. One of them is the Seneca Niagara Casino. On June 18, 2020, the casino announced its reopening to the public after three months of closure. The pandemic’s effects and the reopening’s strict guidelines have brought significant changes to the casino. This article aims to cover everything you need to know about Seneca Niagara Casino’s reopening.
News-style article – “Seneca Niagara Casino Reopens to the Public After COVID-19 Shutdown”
The Seneca Niagara Casino reopened on June 18, 2020, with enhanced health and safety measures. The casino operates 24 hours, but only select areas are open to the public. Currently, players can access around 1,300 slot machines and 40 table games, while bingo games are temporarily suspended until further notice. Smoking is also prohibited indoors as part of the state’s post-pandemic regulations.
The casino applied several rules to ensure the safety of all guests. Temperature checks are mandatory for all guests and team members upon entry. Guests who present symptoms of the virus will be directed to leave immediately. The casino also reduced the gaming floor’s capacity, required the use of face masks and social distancing, and added hand sanitizing stations across the floor. Furthermore, the casino established a cleaning and disinfecting schedule for all high-touch areas.
“We’re thrilled to reopen Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino and welcome back our loyal guests, team members, and community members,” said Holly Gagnon, president, and CEO of Seneca Gaming. “The health and safety of our guests and team members continue to be our top priority as we all adapt to this ‘new normal.'”
Travel guide-style article – “The Top 5 Things to Do at Seneca Niagara Casino Now That It’s Open Again”
Beyond the gaming offerings that have reopened at the Seneca Niagara Casino, here are five activities visitors can look forward to:
- Niagara Falls itself: located within walking distance of the casino, one of the planet’s most iconic natural attractions.
- Thunder Falls Buffet and Blues Burger Bar: guests can dine in at Thunder Falls while maintaining social distancing or take home their delicious meals. Blues Burger Bar also reopened for business, bringing a variety of scrumptious burgers to the table.
- The Lobby Lounge: the perfect setting for live music, drinks, and light bites, the Lobby Lounge allows guests to unwind while enjoying views of the gaming floor.
- Spa & Salon: for relaxation and self-care, the Spa and Salon at the casino offers various services such as massages, facials, and hair and makeup styling by appointment only.
- Casino Promotions and Events: The casino offers exciting promotions, tournaments, and events that give players the chance to win rewards such as cash prizes, cars, and more.
Opinion-style article – “Why the Reopening of Seneca Niagara Casino is Good (or Bad) News for the Local Economy”
Reopening the casino has brought conflicting opinions and concerns. Some believe that reopening will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the local economy as it generates employment and revenue. Others have expressed fears about the possibility of a surge in COVID-19 cases, which might lead to another shutdown and a more substantial economic impact.
According to The Buffalo News, the casino used to generate $469 million annually before the pandemic, which shows how this establishment plays a crucial role in the economy. Industry experts estimate that the casino’s revenue will recover over the next two years as travel restrictions become more relaxed, generating income for local businesses such as hotels and restaurants, among others.
Event-style article – “Join the Fun: Grand Reopening Celebration at Seneca Niagara Casino”
No official grand reopening events have been scheduled at the time of this writing. However, the casino’s website invites players to check promotions and events scheduled for the upcoming months.
The website offers specialty events like concerts and comedy shows and various promotions such as weekly slot tournaments, ladies’ night, and free buffets for seniors. Visitors can check the casino’s schedule regularly to keep track of upcoming events.
History-style article – “Behind the Scenes: How Seneca Niagara Casino Prepared to Safely Reopen After COVID-19 Closure”
Safety measures at Seneca Niagara were turned up a notch for the casino’s reopening. The casino underwent a deep cleaning and disinfection prior to opening, then implemented new procedures in response to the pandemic. The casino spent a considerable amount of money to ensure that they met the New York State Department of Health’s guidelines and directives.
Apart from reducing the gaming floor’s capacity, the casino also added new signs and markers to help ensure social distancing. The casino staff has undergone specific training to monitor social distance and enforce the use of face masks by both customers and staff. The staff also monitors the floor for those experiencing coughing or fever, and promptly request them to leave the premises.
Review-style article – “We Visited Seneca Niagara Casino After Its Reopening – Here’s What We Thought about the Experience”
As the casino opened, we were impressed by the new gaming floor’s cleanliness and the number of sanitizing stations available. Casinos are meant to be a social activity, but with social distancing protocols in place, we felt a bit isolated. We did appreciate the efforts that the casino made to create a safe and sterile environment. The staff ensured that all the guests follow all safety measures, such as wearing masks and staying apart.
The promotion offered for the reopening was worth our coming back. We got a cleaning kit for our car that included a sanitizer spray, mask, disposable gloves, and even wipes. We had a great time playing blackjack and were even able to take a photo with one of the casino’s costumed characters.
Conclusion
Overall, despite the restrictions imposed, the casino’s reopening has brought excitement and relief for many. Seneca Niagara Casino has implemented numerous measures to ensure its guests’ safety and offer an enjoyable experience at the same time. The reopening of the casino is expected to have a positive economic impact on the region. Visitors can enjoy several attractions such as the spa, dining, and entertainment options available at the casino. Seneca Niagara Casino is continuously monitoring and updating its website, promotions, and safety protocols to ensure everyone’s safety.