MGM official: No plans to close Vegas casinos over coronavirus concerns

MGM Resorts International this morning temporarily closed its Empire City Casino in New York over concerns of the global coronavirus pandemic.

It anticipates opening the property again by March 28, according to a statement. The announcement comes a day after MGM decided to temporarily close its Northfield Park property in Ohio.

But all MGM properties remain open in a limited capacity in Las Vegas. In an email Saturday, an MGM spokesman said the company does not have plans to close its Las Vegas properties.

While casinos up and down the Strip remained open, certain areas and departments have shuttered or are planning to close. Those include: shows and concerts being postponed, sports books and poker rooms anticipating to close Sunday without the NCAA Tournament or other sports to wager on, and valet operations being limited or shut down.

MGM sent a letter to employees Friday informing them of layoffs and furloughs, although the company didn’t indicate how many employees or which properties.

In a typical year, next week is the busiest time for Las Vegas books because of the millions waged on the popular NCAA men’s basketball tournament, which was canceled earlier this month.

In Massachusetts, the gaming commission there has voted to shut down operations at casinos there. That list of properties includes Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield and Plainridge Park Casino.

Back to top