Casinos reopen, but few ready to gamble with health

By ERIC SEIVERLING

eseiverling@yourmvi.com

With Allegheny and Washington counties allowed into the green phase last week by Gov. Tom Wolf, restaurants, bars and other public gathering places were eager to welcome back customers.

Two of the highest-profile businesses in the counties opened their doors Tuesday morning.

Pittsburgh’s Rivers Casino and Washington’s Meadows Casino Racetrack and Hotel welcomed back gamers after a nearly three-month closure due to the governor’s shutdown orders in March.

But those who decided to roll the dice and enter the casinos were met with different looking venues due to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines.

“I decided to come out just to see how crowded it would be,” said Jeff Chastel of Washington County, who called himself a regular at the Meadows Casino before the coronavirus pandemic halted gaming across the state. “I think they did a good job of regulating the slots, but I’m surprised by the lack of people and the lack of poker tables. 

“I guess it’s due to elderly crowds and their COVID risks are higher than most people. I don’t feel I’m at any more risk than if I’m at WalMart or Giant Eagle. At some point, you have to live your life.”

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