The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has instructed the closure of the state’s entire casino and racetrack estate this week. The decision impacts six venues that had remained open following the previous closure of six others in recent days.

The order to close is in direct response to the rapid expansion of reported COVID-19 cases and is aimed at mitigating the spread of the virus said the Board. It added that while the closure of the casinos is temporary, there is no specific indication of when reopening will occur. 

The casinos that are affected by the Board’s latest notice are Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course; Mount Airy Casino Resort; Mohegan Sun Pocono; Lady Luck Nemacolin; Meadows Casino and Racetrack; and Presque Isle Racetrack and Casino.

The other six casinos which had already closed comprise Valley Forge Casino and Resort; Harrah’s Philadelphia; Parx Casino; Rivers Philadelphia; Rivers Pittsburgh; and Wind Creek Bethlehem.

In its statement, the Board said: “The public health and safety of patrons, casino employees and others are of paramount importance. The board is continuously monitoring developments and will update licensees and the public as frequently as possible with any new developments.

“Up to date information on the impact of the COVID-19 Virus on the Commonwealth’s gaming industry regulated by the Gaming Control Board can be found on the agency’s website.”