Page 11 - Southern California Gaming Guide • June 2020

Valley View Casino & Hotel reopened on Friday, May 22nd. casino is trying to create a contactless environment, encouraging cash transfers using systems like Apple Pay. In the case of cash, employees will use gloves when possible and plenty of hand sanitizer. At any point where employees come in contact with patrons, such as the players’ club or restaurants, Plexiglas dividers have been installed. Most of the casino restaurants are now open. However, the Maine Lobster Buffet will not reopen right away. Valet parking and the shuttle bus service will reopen at a later date. Visit ValleyViewCasino.com for more information and updates. Sycuan Casino Resort Sycuan Casino Resort reopened on Wednesday, May 20th at 12 p.m. A press release issued on May 12th included, “Over the past several weeks, we have made extensive changes at our property and implemented an aggressive health and sanitation program to ensure we are doing everything we can to protect our guests and team members for our reopening,” patience as our additional safety measures will undoubtedly create some inconveniences for them, but please know they were put in place for a good reason.” Sycuan plans to reopen its property in phases, with select gaming machines, restaurants and other amenities remaining closed in the initial phase. Time between phases is unknown and will depend on the successful execution of each phase. During phase one, food and beverage venues will have limited hours of operation with select venues open including Double-Down Grill, House of Fortune, Rank & File, and Hangry’s Sunset Deli and Pizza. Food service will be available for to-go orders and sit-down dining service will be limited to allow for physical distancing between guests. Every other slot machine will be turned off for a safer distance between players, and Table Games will be limited to a maximum of three players per table. All gaming areas, slot machines and Table Games will be cleaned frequently. Bingo and Poker will remain closed in the initial phase and will reopen at a later date that is still unknown. Hotel service and guest amenities will be limited with valet, room service, Spa Ritual, and Retreat Pool & Cabanas remaining closed in the initial phase. High-contact areas including elevators, escalators, door handles and lobby areas will be cleaned and maintained often. Sycuan plans to re-evaluate and make adjustments in the coming weeks and months to slowly open the remaining venues and amenities when it is safe to do so. Additionally, during the closure, Sycuan recently announced an extensive and aggressive health and sanitation program. The new program includes several initiatives such as the use of a self-cleaning antimicrobial coating throughout the property (see page 15), thermal cameras at entrances for temperature detection, physical distancing practices including floor decals, additional cleaning protocols, plexiglass shields, personal protective equipment, comprehensive team member training, safety and hygiene signage, and several other procedures throughout the property to ensure a safe environment. For more information and to stay up-to-date about Sycuan Casino Resort, visit Sycuan.com. Pala Casino Resort Spa Pala Casino Resort Spa reopened on Friday, May 22nd at 10 a.m. A press release stated, “In an effort to protect the health and safety of guests and team members and to further prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Pala Casino Resort Spa will be implementing extra precautionary measures as the property reopens.” The reopening of Pala Casino Resort Spa is presented in phases that will allow the resort to gradually reopen the gaming floor, hotel, restaurants, bars and entertainment options. Initially, the maximum guest occupancy will be limited to 50% in all gaming areas. Select food and beverage options with limited menus and hours of operation will be available to guests as the property reopens. The reduced hours of operation for food outlets will allow for thorough daily sanitizing of each restaurant. “We look forward to welcoming our guests and team members back to the property,” said Fred Buro, CEO of Pala Casino Resort Spa.“Over the last several weeks, the leadership team at Pala Casino Resort Spa has been working diligently to develop a customized reopening plan that encourages social distancing, increases cleaning and disinfecting protocols and further protects the health and safety of our guests and employees. While we are eager to reopen, we remain dedicated to carefully monitoring this evolving situation and following the advice and guidance of federal and state officials and public health agencies.” All processes that require the exchange of personal items like currency, credit cards and luggage will be handled using personal protective equipment and sanitization methods to minimize exposure. “The health and safety of our valued patrons and team members is paramount at Pala Casino Resort Spa,” said Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala ...continued on page 13 said Cody J. Martinez, Chairman, Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. “We are slowly opening select venues and gaming areas in phase one of our reopening and will continue to evaluate our reopening strategy to maintain a safe environment for all. We are excited to welcome back our guests and start bringing back the hospitality, gaming and fun that Sycuan Casino Resort is known for. I want to thank our guests and team members in advance for their Sycuan Casino Resort reopened on Wednesday, May 20th. JUNE 2020 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAMING GUIDE PAGE 11