For the most up-to-date information on mask mandates and restrictions at PA casinos, find our latest update here.
Pennsylvania reached a milestone on Friday, administering 10 million vaccines. In addition to indoor mask restrictions being lifted across much of the state and loosening of capacity limits, Pennsylvania casinos, like other businesses in the state, are riding a wave of good news.
After being closed a third of the year in 2020, you can’t blame Pennsylvania casinos hoping for more sunny days ahead.
With the unofficial start of summer approaching, let’s take a look at the latest bright spots, updates and what to know on your next visit to Pennsylvania casinos.
What are the rules for wearing masks at Pennsylvania casinos?
The PA. Health Department followed the CDC’s guidance and said you do not have to wear a mask indoors if fully vaccinated. Also, you can stop wearing masks outdoors.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf said the Pennsylvania casinos can increase to full capacity on Memorial Day (May 31).
A couple of Pennsylvania casinos posted the following message about their updated mask mandate:
Per CDC and PA Department of Health Guidelines effective immediately:
Individuals who are fully vaccinated from COVID-19 no longer need to wear a mask.
Individuals who are not vaccinated or only partially vaccinated from COVID-19 must continue to wear a mask.
No mask if fully vaccinated at these PA casinos:
- The Meadows
- Wind Creek Casino
- Rivers Casino Pittsburgh
- Valley Forge Casino
- Harrah’s Casino Philadelphia
- Hollywood Casino
- Parx
- Presque Isle Downs
- Lady Luck Nemacolin
- Mount Airy Casino
- Mohegan Sun Pocono
A Valley Forge Casino spokesperson commented to Play Pennsylvania about the loosened restrictions:
“We have been waiting for a long time for this day and now that we can safely open things up, we are happy to offer our guests an enhanced experience with more slot machines, as well as more reservations available at the Revolution Chop House. With respect to masks, we are following the CDC’s current guidance. Any guest or team member who is fully vaccinated is not required to wear a mask, but masks are still required if you are not fully vaccinated.”
Masks for all still a must at these Pennsylvania casinos
Six casinos currently require all guests, whether vaccinated or not, to wear masks.
- Live! Casino Pittsburgh
- Live! Casino Philadelphia
- Rivers Casino Philadelphia
What are the current mask and capacity rules for Philadelphia?
Since it’s located in Philadelphia, Live! Casino Philadelphia and Rivers Casino Philadelphia are subject to the city’s rules. The city has chosen to keep certain restrictions in place longer.
Philadelphia lifted its outdoor mask mandate on May 21. However, indoor mask wearing is still required. But it might be lifted on June 11 depending on COVID cases and vaccination rates.
Current loosened rules at Philadelphia casinos now permit:
- Serving alcohol on the casino floor.
- Alcohol without food purchase
- Casinos can operate at 50% maximum capacity, or at 75% maximum capacity if they can meet enhanced ventilation standards.
FAQs and the latest from Live! Casino Philadelphia
Does Live! Casino Philadelphia serve complimentary/free drinks if you are playing at the slots/tables?
Yes. Drinks are complimentary when gambling on the casino floor in Pennsylvania.
Starting May 21, full beverage service returns to the gaming floor at Live! Casino Philadelphia.
Does Live! Casino Philadelphia have a poker room? Is it open?
Yes. Live! Casino Philadelphia and its29-table poker room is open 24/7. The mega bad beat jackpot at Live! is now $554,245.
Is parking free at Live! Casino Philadelphia? What about during games at the stadiums?
Live! Philadelphia offers free self-parking. However, it’s a different ballgame on game days.
Parking on event days at Live! Casino Philadelphia
- $25 self parking. Event parking rate goes into effect four hours prior to scheduled game time at Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field, or the Wells Fargo Center. Call 1-833-472-5483 for live parking updates.
- Free parking for Gold Card members and above.
- Classic Card members can get reimbursed in free slot play for parking fees.
- Place a $100+ bet at FanDuel Sportsbook on home game days and get reimbursed for parking.
There is no tailgating at Live! Casino Philadelphia’s parking lots.
South Philadelphia sports complex returning to full capacity
The Philadelphia Sixers start the 2021 NBA Playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. The 76ers journey to an NBA Championship started against the Washington Wizards on May 23. The Wells Fargo Center increased capacity to 50%.
Citizens Bank Park and the Philadelphia Phillies will also host 50% capacity. Fans do not have to wear masks outdoors and at Phillies games since the city lifted the outdoor mask mandate.
Both the Wells Fargo Center and Citizens Bank Park are expected to expand to full capacity starting on June 11 when the city of Philadelphia plans to lift all coronavirus restrictions.
The Philadelphia Eagles expect to host a full house this fall at Lincoln Financial Field.
XFinity Live (also owned by Live!’s Casino Philadelphia’s operator, the Cordish Companies), reopened in early May.
Increased visitors, foot traffic and the return of the buzz fans and events bring to the South Philadelphia sports complex is positive news for Live! Casino Philadelphia.
Rivers Casino Philadelphia updates
Alcohol/drink service also returned to the casino floor at Rivers Casino Philadelphia. Masks are still required at Rivers Casino Philadelphia for now.
Is the poker room at Rivers Casino?
Yes. The poker room at Rivers Casino Philadelphia is open. In April, Jim Moore was promoted to poker room manager.
Rivers Philadelphia hosting vaccine clinic
Where: Rivers Casino Philadelphia Event Center
When: First dose Wednesday, May 26. Second dose on Wednesday, June 16. From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. both days
Rivers Casino is offering the COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer) to anyone 12 years or older living or working in the city. Individuals between the ages of 12 and 17 will require a parent or a guardian to be present for each vaccination. Rivers Casino team members and their family are also welcome.
Poker returning to Wind Creek
In November 2020, Play Pennsylvania exclusively reported that the poker room at Wind Creek Casino would not permanently close and planned to eventually reopen.
Wind Creek Casino in Bethlehem announced plans to reopen their 26-table poker room in the fall of 2021.
Other recent news from Pennsylvania casinos
Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course
- The Track Side Apron will reopen for live racing nights starting on May 28. Tuesday night live racing returns on June 8.
- The sign is up at Hollywood Casino York ahead of its planned August 2021 opening.
Valley Forge Casino
- If you choose, you don’t need cash to play at the slots. Download the B Connected Mobile App to create your Boyd Pay account and begin building your Boyd Pay Wallet.
