The casinos and resorts of Alabama’s only federally recognized Indian Tribe will fully reopen to the public Monday, June 8.
Wind Creek Hospitality said all three of its Alabama-based resort properties will first reopen to small groups of invited guests June 4, followed by a public opening of the full operation the following Monday.
Wind Creek, which also operates resorts in Aruba, Curacao, Nevada and Florida, closed its facilities in March to halt the spread of COVID-19. The company owns hotel properties and casinos in Alabama at Wetumpka, Atmore, Montgomery, as well as the Mobile Greyhound Track.
Among measures adopted due to the pandemic, the company has announced temperature checks for all guests and employees, and masks or face coverings required for everyone. Guests should bring their own masks, but those without will be able to acquire one at the property for a small donation supporting local first responders, health care providers, and COVID patient relief funds, the company says.
According to the company’s seven-page reopening plan, there will be hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the properties and ventilation will be increased. Employees will be sent home if they show fever, cough or shortness of breath.
Smoking will only be allowed in designated spots separate from the gaming floor, restaurants and public areas.
There will also be limits to the number of guests on the casino floor, which equates to roughly one-third of normal operations. There will also be increased distances between tables in dining areas, markings for appropriate distances near hotel check-in and other areas where lines usually form. Hotels will be operated at 50 percent occupancy, and hotel rooms will be left unoccupied for at least 24 hours until they are thoroughly cleaned.
The casino floor will be open to the public for four sessions each day, with deep cleaning conducted between sessions. Each machine will also be cleaned before and after every guest. The company said special waiting areas will be available for guests at each property if it is at capacity.
At reopening, Wind Creek is also introducing a new reservation system that lets guests make a reservation for a particular session up to fourteen days in advance. The company hopes the system will eliminate lines that would frustrate social distancing requirements.
“Just like your favorite restaurant on a Friday night, a reservation isn’t required," Wind Creek CEO and President Jay Dorris said. "But if you absolutely want to join us on a given day and time, reservations are available.”
The reservation system will be open to visitors by June 3 at the website or by calling (866) 946-3360.