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Weather Alert

Illinois Gaming Board announces casino, video gaming can resume

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(WSIL) -- Statewide gaming operations can resume on Wednesday, July 1.

The Illinois Gaming Board says each casino and terminal operator has now provided a Pandemic Resumption Plan that will guide their operations.

The Gaming Board originally suspended gaming on March 16 and extended that suspension in April.

Businesses will be required to ensure that social distancing and disinfecting practices are followed to keep everyone safe.

West Frankfort Mayor Tom Jordan says, while the city doesn't rely on this revenue to operate, many businesses have seen significant losses.

"Where the gaming is at," says Jordan, "they've probably hurt because the local business that has the gaming in it receives a lot of money and sometimes that means them being able to stay open or not."

Mayor Jordan says half the money the city receives from gaming goes directly to youth programs in the city.

The Gaming Board Administrator issued the following statement:

“The Gaming Board worked with the Governor’s Office, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to develop a gaming resumption process that protects the public health of patrons and employees, while restarting gaming activities in meaningful way,� said Gaming Board Administrator Marcus Fruchter. “The video and casino gaming industry have worked cooperatively and professionally with the IGB to develop best practices that create the safest possible environment for gaming, while adhering to IDPH, DCEO, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC�) guidance.