Buenos Aires’ Casinos Reopen Following COVID-19 Lockdown

Following months of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, casinos in Argentina are finally beginning to return to normal operations. While things are still a far cry from normality, with many restrictions still in place, there are signs of progress after casinos in Buenos Aires were able to open their doors once again.

Both the Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo racetrack and the riverboat Casino Buenos Aires have been able to welcome back customers after spending seven months closed due to the pandemic. Over the weekend, Fernán Quirós, the Argentinian Minister of Health, met with officials from the Buenos Aires City Lottery to find ways to reopen the venues. After lengthy discussions, a compromise was found that they believe will enable them to continue operating and avoid permanent closure.

Initially, both venues are only allowed to operate at between 20-30% of their full capacity. The precise amount is dependent on the type of ventilation system present. Furthermore, anyone who enters will have to sign a statement confirming that they are currently healthy and do not have coronavirus. Once inside, there will not be any food or drinks on offer, and every second gaming machine will be turned off to try to promote social distancing.

On the casino floor, Plexiglas dividers will separate the players while wearing a face covering is obligatory for all. Furthermore, the casinos are required to clean and sanitize all common areas on a more regular basis. All of these measures have proven to be effective at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in other venues around the world.

While this is good news for gamblers, not everyone is pleased. Rodriguez Larreta, the mayor of the city of Buenos Aires, has said that he believes it is too early for casinos to open and reportedly fought hard over the weekend to keep them closed. Hopefully, his reservations will prove unfounded, and punters will be able to enjoy themselves in a coronavirus-free environment.