Kansas orders Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, other state-owned casinos to close
The Kansas Lottery ordered the Hollywood Casino at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas, as well as three other state-owned casinos, to close because of the coronavirus.
The Kansas Lottery, after consulting with the Kansas Governor’s office and the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, said all state-owned casino gaming will be suspended at the end business Tuesday, until at least March 30.
A clarification on the exact time that the casinos must close by was not immediately available.
The decision follows Gov. Laura Kelly’s executive order banning gatherings of more than 50 people. Such closures and bans are being ordered as part of a public health effort to slow the spread of the virus and prevent medical facilities from being overwhelmed as the number of sick people increases.
Besides the Hollywood Casino, the three other state-owned casinos are the Kannsas Crossing in Pittsburg, Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane and the Boot Hill Casino in Dodge City.
“The health and safety of casino guests and employees is of the utmost importance,” the Lottery said in its release. “The Lottery understands the impact this decision will have on both players and employees, but the State must be dedicated to doing its part to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Kansas communities.”
