Boyd to close Pennsylvania casino as a ‘precautionary measure’ following governor directive

March 13, 2020 11:20 AM
  • Howard Stutz, CDC Gaming Reports
March 13, 2020 11:20 AM
  • Howard Stutz, CDC Gaming Reports

Boyd Gaming Corp. will close its Valley Forge Casino Resort near Philadelphia for two weeks as part of a directive by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, who ordered the closure of all public schools, entertainment venues and community centers in Montgomery County due to local cases of coronavirus.

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The Las Vegas-based company called it a “precautionary measure” ordered by the governor, saying in a statement that “there have been no reported cases (of coronavirus) at the property.”

The hotel-casino will close Friday at 6 a.m. ET. The company currently expects Valley Forge to remain closed until Friday, March 27, in compliance with the governor’s directive.

The closure is the second in the U.S. of a casino due to the coronavirus outbreak. An Indian casino in Oregon was shut down for several days after a back-of-the-house employee tested positive for coronavirus.

Boyd Gaming acquired the Valley Forge in September 2018 for $280.5 million. The property has 442 hotel rooms, 850 slot machines, and 49 table games, and opened a sportsbook last year in partnership with FanDuel. The property employs just under 1,000 people.

A Boyd spokesman declined to comment beyond the press release.

Boyd Gaming said its 29 properties in 10 states have been following stringent protocols, including frequent handwashing by employees, increased placement of hand sanitizer throughout the properties, and increased sanitation of frequently touched surfaces.

“The safety and well-being of our team members and customers is our utmost priority,” the company said in the statement. “The company has been advising all team members who are experiencing flu-like symptoms to go home immediately and contact their health care professional.”

Customers who have reservations at Valley Forge during the closure period are asked to call (610) 354-8118 for further information and assistance.

Howard Stutz is the executive editor of CDC Gaming Reports. He can be reached at hstutz@cdcgaming.com. Follow @howardstutz on Twitter.