Ute Mountain Casino, Colorado Casino Industry Playing The Waiting Game
As the relentless spread of COVID-19 persists from the capital of Colorado, businesses in the state are facing the challenging decision of closing their doors to the general public. Among those significantly impacted are the casinos and gaming establishments, grappling with an especially tough predicament.
Gambling business was severely impacted by COVID-19.
It is widely known that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on various industries in Colorado, and the gaming sector is no exception. Back on March 17, Governor Jared Polis took the decision to temporarily close all casinos in Colorado as part of his efforts to curb the spread of the virus. This action came before the governor’s broader initiative to shut down most non-essential businesses statewide. Following this, on March 26, Governor Polis issued a Stay at Home Order applicable to all residents of Colorado.
In regions where COVID-19 has begun to spread, businesses that attract large crowds, such as gaming and sports venues, face a significant risk of spreading the virus. To ensure the safety and well-being of their patrons, these companies have implemented measures and precautions.
Casinos adhere to Governor & ’s shutdown directive.
The media’s attention towards the COVID-19 outbreak in Colorado is increasing as the virus expands its reach beyond Denver’s densely populated areas to regions such as Mesa and Montezuma province.
The county’s inaugural COVID-19 positive case was declared on March 28 by the Southwest Health System and Montezuma County Public Health Department. In an effort to prevent the virus from spreading, the Ute Mountain tribal government mandated the temporary halt of all gaming activities.
The Ute Mountain Casino is expected to be the business most impacted by the directive from the tribal council. Rick Sheer, the general manager of the casino, spoke to PlayinСolorado regarding the actions the casino will take during this challenging period. Sheer clarified that while complying with local curfews and following the guidance of Manual Heart, the tribal council chairman, the casino will continue to operate its two travel centers and one of the largest diesel filling stations in the region.
Sheer mentioned that the game had initially planned to recommence its operations by April 9. However, Sheer stressed that the casino’s top priority is the well-being of the community since the virus is currently impacting them directly. This is a challenging period, and we are making every effort to navigate through it. Sheer stated, “Our main focus right now is ensuring the safety and health of our employees, customers, and the tribe.”
However aiming for May 1
Ute Mountain Casino, along with most Colorado casinos, remains uncertain about the timeline for resuming operations. Despite the temporary setback caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Colorado’s Gaming Division is prioritizing the legalization of sports betting in the state by May 1.
Despite the recent closure of physical gambling and gaming establishments in Colorado, the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission (LGCC) has given its approval for over a dozen sporting betting licenses. Additionally, the commission plans to issue an additional 33 licenses to both online and retail sportsbooks throughout the state.
Despite the closure of Colorado’s casinos due to the ongoing pandemic, the CLGCC is determined to proceed with the May 1 launch of sports betting. This may seem unusual, but it demonstrates the gaming and gambling industry’s dedication to finding innovative solutions during these challenging times. In an effort to reduce the risk of exposure for both gamblers and casino employees, the commission has granted Temporary Internet Sports Betting Operator Licenses to Fox Bet, PointsBet, and FanDuel Sportsbook. While the gaming division still aims to meet the May 1 deadline, the commission will reassess the impact of COVID-19 on the industry during their upcoming April meeting.
