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Gold Strike is latest Tunica Casino to set reopening date

Announcements came days after Mississippi Gaming Commission allowed casinos to reopen.
Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

TUNICA COUNTY, Mississippi —

5/19/2020 - (NEWS RELEASE) - MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) today announced the reopening dates of its Mississippi resorts, the first of the company’s U.S. properties to reopen following closure earlier this year amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica will reopen in a limited capacity to the public on Monday, May 25, followed by Biloxi’s Beau Rivage Resort & Casino’s reopening Monday, June 1, also in a limited capacity. Each property will host an invitation-only weekend ahead of its public reopening.

“Our hearts are with everyone in our communities, and around the world, who has been personally impacted by this crisis,” said Bill Hornbuckle, MGM Resorts’ Acting CEO and President. “As we plan to reopen our resorts, the health and safety of our guests and employees guide all of our decision-making. Getting many of our employees back to work and welcoming guests through our doors once again will allow us to do what we do best – entertain. We can’t wait.”

Health & Safety

Last week, MGM Resorts released its comprehensive “Seven-Point Safety Plan,” a multi-layered set of protocols and procedures designed in conjunction with medical and scientific experts to deter the spread of the virus, protect customers and employees and rapidly respond to potential new cases. The full plan can be reviewed at www.mgmresorts.com. Key initiatives include:

Employee screening, temperature checks and Covid-19 specific training.

Employees will be required to wear masks; Guests are strongly encouraged, and in some settings where physical distancing is more difficult and/or barriers do not exist, will be required to do so. Examples of where masks will be required include salons, table games where physical barriers are not in place and elevators if riding with guests outside of their travel group. Masks will be provided, free of charge.

A physical distancing policy will be enforced in public areas, with floor guides serving as reminders throughout the properties.

For areas where physical distancing presents challenges, plexiglass barriers will be installed, or other measures will be used to reduce risks for employees and guests.

MGM Resorts has fabricated handwashing stations that will be conveniently placed on casino floors.

Digital menus will be available to view on personal mobile devices via QR codes in the company’s Food & Beverage outlets.

To minimize groups congregating while they wait, restaurant guests will receive a text message notification when their tables are ready.

Guestroom Attendants will wear masks and gloves while cleaning each room and will change gloves between guestrooms.

Per Mississippi Gaming Commission guidelines, a 50 percent capacity restriction will be enforced, table games and slot machines will be configured to allow for appropriate physical distancing, and valet parking will be temporarily discontinued. Complimentary self-parking will be available for guests.

Gold Strike Casino Resort

Upon reopening May 25, in addition to the hotel, Gold Strike’s food and beverage offerings will include Pickle & Jam, Chicago Steakhouse, the Buffet and Stage 2. All food within the Buffet will be served by team members; there will be no self-service. Property amenities will be limited in this first phase of opening.

Room reservations for dates beginning on May 25 can be made at www.goldstrike.com.

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino

With its June 1 opening, in addition to the hotel, Beau Rivage’s food and beverage offerings will include the Italian restaurant Stalla, Terrace Café and Snacks. For retail needs, Essentials and BR Etc. will be available for guests. Property amenities will be limited in this first phase of opening.

Room reservations for dates beginning in June can be made at www.beaurivage.com.

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5/18/2020 - (NEWS RELEASE FROM BOYD GAMING) - Tunica, Miss.— Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall today announced it will reopen to the public on Thursday, May 21.

The property will resume operations on Thursday at 11 a.m. with a limited number of amenities. Casino gaming will be temporarily limited to slot machines only.

“As we reopen our doors, the health and safety of our customers, our team members and the community will be our highest priority,” said Vince Schwartz, Senior Vice President of Operations for Boyd Gaming. “Throughout our property, we will implement comprehensive safety protocols approved by local, state and federal health officials. We are excited for the opportunity to reopen Sam’s Town, and we look forward to offering our customers an enjoyable – and safe – entertainment experience.”

Upon re-opening, Sam’s Town will practice “Boyd Clean,” a set of comprehensive protocols aimed at protecting the health and safety of its team members and guests. These protocols, which will be followed at all Boyd Gaming properties nationwide, include:

· Mandatory face coverings and temperature checks for all team members;

· Social distancing requirements and capacity restrictions across all customer and team member areas, including casino floors and restaurants;

· Enhanced cleaning and sanitation of all high-touch surfaces, including door handles, gaming machines, table games, handrails and elevator buttons;

· Increased placement of hand sanitizer dispensers throughout our properties;

· Required training for all team members on our safety protocols.

For additional information on the Boyd Clean initiative, visit www.boydgaming.com.

In compliance with state requirements, property amenities will be operating under limited capacity and operating hours. A full list of current amenities and schedules is available on the property’s website at www.samstowntunica.com.

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About Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall, Tunica

Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall, Tunica is the place for entertainment on the Delta. More information on Sam’s Town can be found at www.samstownstunica.com, on Facebook and Twitter. Sam’s Town is a property of Boyd Gaming. Founded in 1975, Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE: BYD) is a leading geographically diversified operator of 29 gaming entertainment properties in 10 states. With one of the most experienced leadership teams in the casino industry, Boyd Gaming prides itself on offering its guests an outstanding entertainment experience, delivered with unwavering attention to customer service. For additional Company information and press releases, visit www.boydgaming.com.

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