Late last week, Governor Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania issued a mandate in which public schools, community centers as well as entertainment venues in Montgomery County shut down for a two-week time frame. This closure was issued due to the outbreak of coronavirus in the state, particularly that region.  Because of the mandate, Boyd Gaming announced that their Valley Forge Casino would be shutting down, a gaming venue located in this region of the state.

Casino Shutdown:

Valley Forge falls into the category of entertainment venues and shut down due to the mandate as well as working to keep team members and customers of the property safe. Back in February, the operator began to follow the protocols recommended by the CDC at their properties across the US.

As part of the protocols, handwashing was increased among employees as well as placing hand sanitizers throughout the property. The sanitization of the casino was also increased, including areas that are touched frequently, like ATMs and slot machines.

For the closure, Valley Forge shutdown on Friday at 6 a.m. and will not reopen until March 27th. The casino is the first to close in Pennsylvania due to the coronavirus.

As of Sunday, Boyd Gaming had announced that their venues in four states had shut down. Along with Pennsylvania and Illinois, the operator closed casinos in Indiana and Ohio. Nevada properties of Boyd remain open.

According to a press release…

Customers with reservations for Valley Forge during the time of closure are asked to call 610-354-8118 for assistance. The company is willing to work with travelers who were planning on visiting the property during the closure as well as in the near future.

Additional Closures Across the US:

Casinos across the United States are setting new sanitization protocols or deciding to close as an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus. In Illinois, all casinos will close for a fourteen-day time frame. The Gaming Control Board of the state made the decision and will update the public as the issue is reviewed in the future.