TULALIP, Wash. — The Tulalip Resort Casino reopened Tuesday with new guidelines to help keep customers safe.
Katheryn Weiss lives nearby, and decided she wanted to be at Tulalip Resort Casino for reopening day. She arrived wearing a mask and carrying hand sanitizer.
"They are going to text me to let me know when it is time to come in,” Weiss said.
That is how the casino was letting guests in on Tuesday afternoon. On the casino floor, signs urged social distancing.
Other changes include limiting the number of people allowed inside, and requiring guests to wear masks. Staff will also take guests' temperatures before they enter, and add Plexiglas in high-traffic areas.
Weiss was impressed with the casino's safety measures.
"I think they are doing very well with their precautions and the temperature checks, so if anybody is sick they won't let them in,” Weiss said.
Tulalip Resort is one of several to reopen since Gov. Jay Inslee's stay-at-home order went into effect in March in the statewide effort to curb the spread of coronavirus.
The tribes are sovereign nations and don't have to follow to Inslee's stay-at-home order or the state's reopening guidelines, though the governor urged tribes not to open casinos.
However, the casinos are major drivers of employment and funding for tribal governments.
Ken Kettler, President and Chief Operating Officer at Tulalip Resort Casino says the casino will be operating at less than half capacity, and that could have an impact on the tribe.
"The gaming is that major economic driver for the tribe, which has 5,000 members, so it's a big tribe,” said Kettler. “It's going to be a real challenge to watch how we can drive revenues, and still keep some operating margin there so we can make a profit towards the tribe.”
As the Tulalip Resort Casino has crafted its safety policy, it has learned from other casinos that have already opened, Kettler said.
“The tribes are sovereign, but they want to also keep safety and everybody’s health in mind,” Kettler said.
The casino has called about a third of its employees back.
“Two-thirds are still on furlough, so that's a hardship,” Kettler said.