Casinos, racetracks, and remote betting facilities must be closed by midnight on March 16, 2020.
As the number of cases of coronavirus creeps up, the state has taken yet another step to limit interaction in the community. Governor Larry Hogan has ordered all casinos, racetracks, and betting facilities in Maryland to close their doors to the public by Monday, March 16. The closures must remain in effect until the state of emergency is lifted or until superseded by another order. Establishments or persons that do not follow this order are subject to a punishment of up to one year in jail and/or a $5,000 fine.
The governor said this is an unprecedented action, but necessary as COVID-19 disease continues to spread throughout the community.
“It is critical to public health and safety that bars, restaurants, and other businesses across the state comply with the law,” said Governor Hogan. “Anyone who hosts or is part of the crowds in bars this weekend is jeopardizing the health of others and must avoid any contact with family members or friends over the age of 60 or those with underlying health conditions.”
Casino floor inside the MGM National Harbor in Maryland, courtesy MGM Resorts
Here is a list of the properties subject to the closure:
MGM National Harbor
Live! Casino & Hotel
Horseshoe Casino Baltimore and Perryville
Ocean Downs Casino and Oceans Down Racing
Rocky Gap Casino Resort
Laurel Park
Pimlico Race Course
Timonium Race Course
Fair Hill Races
Rosecroft Raceway
All simulcast betting facilities must also close or cease operations. The order does not apply to hotels attached to casinos.
The closure of casinos in Maryland comes days after governors in Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana closed casinos in their states. Resorts in major gaming cities like Las Vegas and Atlantic City have closed bars, restaurants, and shows, but not all have made the decision to close completely sd of yet.
On Monday, Governor Hogan took it further and made the decision to close all bars, restaurants, gyms, and movie theaters. The only exception is carry-out and drive-thru service.
