Which Casino

Casino Insider is a weekly newsletter with all the best bets for food, entertainment and fun at Southern California’s casinos. It’s delivered to your inbox on Thursdays. Some casino games combine multiple of the above aspects; for example, roulette is a table game conducted by a dealer, which involves random numbers. Casinos may also offer other type of gaming, such as hosting poker games or tournaments, where players compete against each other. Common casino games. Casino Credit is available to players for gaming on Norwegian Cruise Line. The application process is easy, there is no fee to apply and differed payment terms can be arranged. The minimum application amount is $5,000.00. A personal check is required onboard to activate the credit line. Markers or counter checks can be paid by your winnings.

© Provided by The Points Guy
MSN has partnered with The Points Guy for our coverage of credit card products. MSN and The Points Guy may receive a commission from card issuers.

Editor’s note: This article has been updated with the latest information.

At TPG, we paused traveling to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Local and federal governments around the globe are now debating the appropriate levels of isolation and distancing. Before booking that next trip, we recommend you talk to your doctor, follow health officials’ guidance and research local travel restrictions. TPG is continuing to publish deals, reviews and general travel news to inform and prepare you for that trip, whether it is next month or next year.

As we approach summer and states start to ease restrictions imposed during the coronavirus pandemic, casinos are betting they can get gamblers back to the tables. New restrictions for dealing with coronavirus concerns will be in play.

Which Casino

Here’s a look at some of the plans to reopen major gambling meccas across the U.S. and the plans that may be in the cards this summer:

In This Post

Las Vegas

Which Casino

Sin City shut down in mid-March, when COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. However, Gov. Steve Sisolak will reopen the state’s casinos on June 4 as long as the trending data regarding coronavirus infections remains consistent.

Which Casinos Did Trump Own

Ahead of the holiday weekend, I wanted to announce to all Nevadans that I will be holding a press conference on Tuesday, May 26, to discuss the next phase in Nevada’s reopening plan. As long as our data stays consistent, I expect to announce a Phase 2 date for reopening. pic.twitter.com/PzOW3nezWr

— Governor Sisolak (@GovSisolak) May 22, 2020

Read our full guide: A changed Las Vegas prepares to reopen

The shutdown impacted the state’s tourism industry, which directly or indirectly powers one in three jobs in the state. As a result of the quarantine, Nevada has the highest unemployment rate in the nation at 28.2%.

Regulations will limit casinos to 50% occupancy upon reopening, and operators must implement social-distancing and stringent cleaning measures, according to The Wall Street Journal. Many of the largest brands on the Strip, such as MGM Resorts, have stated that they plan to reopen their properties in phases, based on demand.

In order to reopen to 50% under Phase Two protocols, resorts must submit individual safety plans to the Gaming Control Board in addition to attaining current safety protocols. Recently, MGM Resorts released its “Seven-Point Safety Plan” that it will follow when states allow properties to reopen. The plan gives us a glimpse at how dramatically different casinos will look once they reopen. For starters, say goodbye to buffet-style meals and crowded card tables and hello to temperature checks and face masks.

Which Casinos Are Closed In Las Vegas

Las Vegas hotels are becoming bookable for this summer in hopes of reopening in June. However, the selections are limited at the moment.

For instance, you can book a night at Caesars Palace from $99 a night in June.

© The Points Guy

Arizona

Glass shields separate players at Gila River Casino at Wild Horse Pass on the packed reopening day. @reviewjournal#OpenAmerica#gaming#casino#coronaviruspic.twitter.com/e8wH2Nhvlo

— Elizabeth P. Brumley (@EliPagePhoto) May 15, 2020

Arizona’s stay-at-home order expired on Friday May 15, and a few casinos reopened that same day including Gila River’s Lone Butte, Vee Quiva, and Wild Horse Pass casinos, Fort McDowell, and Harrah’s Ak-Chin Pavilion. As you can see from the social media post above, new partitions were installed between gambling ‘stations.’ There are lots of rules patrons are supposed to be following including wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing though it’s unclear how closely those measures are being enforced. Apparently there were lines and big crowds on opening day.

See Full List On En.wikipedia.org

Arizona casinos open Friday with lines to get in. I have a neighbor that is fully prepared to bring his lawn chair out the night before when Vegas opens, like it’s a Black Friday sale. #Vegashttps://t.co/iPmCt1Bnqa

— Bill Krackomberger (@BillKrackman) May 15, 2020

Atlantic City

Based on a promotional email received by The Points Guy himself, Brian Kelly, Atlantic City is planning to reopen to gamblers this summer.

Many Atlantic City hotels such as the Borgata, Hard Rock, Ocean Resort and Harrah’s have opened up bookings starting June 1, 2020. However, the floors will look much different (and emptier) with new guidelines and restrictions. For instance, many restaurants may remain closed and those that are open will likely be operating at significantly reduced capacity. As for shows, no word yet if those will be allowed or if there will be enough demand for them to carry on.

Although some hotels are now bookable starting on June 1, official hard opening dates have not been announced, pending word from New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. This means that if you make a reservation now and the hotel has not reopened, your reservation will automatically be canceled and refunded.

In the meantime, hotels are offering reduced rates to draw in guests. For instance, you can book a weeknight stay at many of the properties for as low as $63 throughout the summer.

© The Points Guy

Weekend pricing is not quite as low, starting at $168 per night.

© The Points Guy

Additionally, if you’re a member of any of the casino rewards programs, you may be targeted for a special “welcome back” offer like one Brian Kelly received.

For more travel tips and news, sign up for our daily newsletter.

Lake Tahoe

Open

Caesars Entertainment announced that it would begin to open up many of its properties across the U.S. in phases on its Q1 conference call. Lake Tahoe, where two Caesars resorts are located (on the Nevada side), was one of the destinations mentioned on the call.

Nevada entered into a phased reopening it’s calling the “road to recovery,” but the going is slow.

In preparation, casinos and hotels in Lake Tahoe are offering deals to bring in guests. For instance, you can book a night at Harveys Lake Tahoe from $100 a night in mid-June. It’s not clear how much of the property will be reopened by then.

© The Points Guy

Nearby, the state of California is approaching reopening business by region. Currently, counties in northern California will be among the first in the state to reopen, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom. So if you’re headed to Lake Tahoe, just be aware that not all of the areas on the California side will be open.

Reno

Not too far from Lake Tahoe is Reno, Nevada’s second-largest gambling city.

Nevada has begun phase one of reopening, which includes restaurants, many of which are inside casinos. These restaurants will be allowed to reopen under strict new regulations, but the casino floor will remain closed. When casinos do get the green light, however, occupancy will be reduced by 50% and social-distancing rules will be enforced.

Deadwood, South Dakota

Casinos in Deadwood reopened their doors on May 7 after the City Commission voted to reopen the businesses under new federal, state and local protocols to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

According to the American Gaming Association’s COVID-19 Casino Tracker, 11 of the 52 casinos open nationwide are in Deadwood. The other 41 are tribal-owned casinos. So far, local sources are reporting that the reopenings have gone well.

“We were about 15% or 20% higher than a typical weekend business, which is significant,” said Caleb Arceneaux, CEO of Liv Hospitality in an interview with CNBC.

Casinos have also reopened in nearby states like Montana.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Gov. John Bel Edward announced on May 11 that Louisiana casinos would be allowed to open their floors on May 15 at a reduced capacity of 25%. Additionally, new regulations will be enforced by the Gaming Control Board including making sanitation stations available around the casinos, requiring face masks and implementing social-distancing rules.

Wetumpka

Although casinos have gotten the green light from the governor, Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans will not allow casinos to reopen in her city. In fact, Cantrell will be enforcing stricter rules largely aimed at stopping the reopening of major businesses, like Harrah’s Casino, according to The Times-Picayune.

In other parts of the state, however, casinos are going ahead with reopening plans. For instance, L’Auberge Lake Charles announced that it will reopen on May 18 under new guidelines. Some of the changes guests will notice are lowered capacity, reduced gaming and limited restaurant options.

The Gulf Coast of Mississippi

Casinos in Mississippi planned to reopen on May 21. The Mississippi Gaming Commission sent out new regulations that casinos will be required to follow, which include limiting occupancy by 50% and barring certain events and tournaments, like VIP Poker Rooms.

Additionally, casinos will have to limit the points of entry so that guests can be properly screened before entering. Part of the screening will include a questionnaire and patrons will be encouraged to use hand sanitizer and wear masks while on the property. There will also be a limit on number of players allowed at table games and six-foot distancing must be maintained at slot machines.

Currently, the going rate for a night at Harrah’s Gulf Coast is about $125 a night throughout June.

© The Points Guy

Bottom line

People are eager to get out of the house. The success of reopened casinos in Deadwood, South Dakota, proves that. However, long-term success will depend on guests and casinos continuing to follow new safety protocols.

It will be a much slower reopening for big cities like Las Vegas, but casino owners are working their way toward making it safer for everyone.

Additional reporting by Clint Henderson.

Featured photo by Toms Auzins/robertharding/Getty Images.

SPONSORED: While travel is limited right now due to COVID-19, you need your everyday purchases to give you flexible, forever useful cash. In general, TPG gives preference to transferable points and using your points to travel, but on some days, cash is king.

These are the top cash-back cards, and a few others that award transferable points that can be used as cash.

--

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

WHICH CASINO OFFERS THE BEST REWARDS CARD?

Casino

CAESARS REWARDS (CAESARS-ELDORADO)

Caesars Rewards members can currently earn and redeem credits at more than 38 Caesars resorts and casinos across the US, making it the most extensive casino loyalty program in the country.

However, by the time the Eldorado Resorts-Caesars Entertainment merger closes in the first half of 2020, the new Caesars Rewards loyalty program will be available at 60 casino properties in 16 states.

  • Earn and redeem Caesars Rewards credits and tier credits through slot and table games, hotel stays, dining, entertainment purchases, shopping, spa treatments, golf and just about everything else available at Caesars Resorts.
  • Benefits include free or discounted hotel stays.
  • Tiers include gold, platinum, diamond and seven stars with increasing benefits and earning power.
  • Click here for a comprehensive overview of the different tiers.

M LIFE REWARDS (MGM)

MGM Resorts International’s M life Rewardsprogram is available at 11 Las Vegas Strip properties, more than any other player loyalty program in the country. Locations include the Bellagio, Aria and MGM Grand.

Plus, M life Rewards is also available at eight more MGM properties across the US, including Borgata in Atlantic City, NJ; MGM National Harbor in Maryland; and Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, Miss.

  • Earn M life’s tier credits and base points for every dollar you spend on gambling, hotels, dining, retail, entertainment and spa services.
  • Redeem points for free play, hotel stays, dining and retail.
  • Benefits include retail and hotel discounts.
  • Tiers include sapphire, pearl, gold, platinum and noir with increasing benefits and earning power.
  • Click here for a comprehensive overview of the different tiers.

B CONNECTED (BOYD)

Boyd Gaming’s B Connectedloyaltyprogram is available at 24 destinations across the nation.

These locations include eight off-the-Strip Las Vegas casinos, Gold Coast Hotel & Casino, and The Orleans Hotel & Casino. Plus, another 16 Boyd Gaming destinations all over the South and Midwest, including several in Louisiana and Mississippi.

  • Earn B Connected tier credits and B Connected points for gambling.
  • Redeem points for free play, hotel stays, dining and retail.
  • Benefits include exclusive room discounts.
  • Tiers include ruby, sapphire, emerald, onyx and titanium with increasing benefits and earning power.
  • Click here for a comprehensive overview of the different tiers.

MYCHOICE (PINNACLE/PENN NATIONAL)

The mychoice loyalty rewards program is available at 35 different Pinnacle/Penn National Gaming casino locations in the US.

The list includes Ameristar-, Boomtown– and Hollywood-branded casinos all around the country.

  • Earn and redeem mychoice comps and tier points through gaming, dining and shopping.
  • Mychoice comps can also be redeemable for hotel stays.
  • Benefits include partner savings and annual gifts.
  • Tiers include choice, advantage, preferred, elite and owners club with increasing benefits and earning power.
  • Click here for a comprehensive overview of the different tiers.

MOMENTUM (MOHEGAN SUN)

Mohegan Sun’s Momentum Casino Rewards program is available at MoheganSun in Uncasville, CT; Mohegan Sun Pocono in Wilkes-Barre, PA; Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ; and ilaniResort in Ridgefield, WA. When Virgin Hotels Las Vegas opens in January 2021, Momentum will be offered there via a partnership for Mohegan Gaming to run the hotel’s casino.

  • Earn Momentum dollars and status points for gambling at Mohegan properties.
  • Redeem Momentum dollars at shops or restaurants on the property. One Momentum dollar is equivalent to $1.
  • Benefits include free buffets, Momentum dollar accelerators and free hotel stays.
  • Tiers include choice, advantage, preferred, elite and owners club with increasing benefits and earning power.
  • Click here for a comprehensive overview of the different tiers for non-Las Vegas resorts.
  • Click here for a comprehensive overview of the tiers for Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, which vary slightly from other resorts.

RUSH REWARDS (RUSH STREET GAMING)

Rush Rewards is Rush Street Gaming’s casino loyalty program, and it is available at Rush Street’s Rivers Casino properties in:

  • Des Plaines, IL
  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • Schenectady
  • Philadelphia

Connect your Rush Rewards account to earn credits online in PA and NJ.

  • Earn points and tier points for slot play and table games.
  • Redeem for play and food and beverage.
  • Benefits include free valet parking and food discounts.
  • Tiers include gold, platinum, platinum-plus, preferred, onyx and sapphire with increasing benefits and earning power.
  • Click here for a comprehensive overview of the different tiers.

BOARDING PASS (STATIONS CASINOS)

The Stations Casinos’ Boarding Pass loyalty club is available at 20 Station Casino properties in Nevada. Locations include Red Rock, ThePalms, Green Valley Ranch and PalaceStation.

  • Earn points and status credits for every $1 spent on almost everything you do at Station Casinos. Only movies, gift shop, quick serves, select restaurants and tobacco are not included.
  • Use points for getting cash back, free play or everything else you did to earn them.
  • Benefits include various food and retail outlet discounts.
  • Tiers include preferred, gold, platinum, president and chairman with increasing benefits and earning power.
  • Click here for a comprehensive overview of the different tiers.

comparing the best casino rewards cards

Which Casinos Are Opened

Caesars Rewardsm Life RewardsB ConnectedmychoiceMomentumRush RewardsBoarding Pass
Number of casino-resort locationsMore than 38 1924354420
Tier Levels, lowest to highestGold, Platinum, Diamond and Seven StarsSapphire, Pearl, Gold, Platinum and Noir Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Onyx and TitaniumChoice, Advantage, Preferred, Elite and Owner's ClubCore, Ignite, Leap, Ascend, SoarGold, Platinum, Platinum-plus, Preferred, Onyx and SapphirePreferred, Gold, Platinum, President and Chairman
Can EARN rewards for non-gaming purchases?YesYesNoYesNoNoYes
Can REDEEM rewards for non-gaming amenities?YesYesYesYesYesYesYes