IMMOKALEE, Fla. — The Seminole Casino in Immokalee is back open after having to close its doors in March due to COVID-19.
They have since implemented new rules and regulations aimed at keeping guests safe.
Fox 4 reported the death of a man who died from coronavirus days after spending hours at the casino weeks before its spring closure.
Although it has not been confirmed where he contracted the virus, casino management says in its reopening they are making safety an utmost priority.
“All of the casinos have undergone a major transformation with what we call the Safe and Sound program, ” said Gary Bitner.
This includes temperature checks upon entrance, requiring guests to wear face masks, social distancing, a special cleaning team to regularly sanitize high contact surfaces, and more.
“We got here early expecting a long long line and got in right away. I was very impressed with everything that they have done, ” said Phelcia
The casino is now operating at just half its normal capacity.
“We went to the one in Tampa during all this, and there was a lot more people and it was a lot less regulated. They are doing a good job making sure machines are clean and so forth, ” said Mark Brown.
Guests say they are happy to be back at the slots after several long months in quarantine.
“As a matter of fact, I'm handing over all my money just for the amusement today. Its a wonderful feeling we’ve been home too long, ” said Hildee.
“Sometimes you come here and lose money, sometimes you win money, so it's good and bad its bittersweet, ” said Mark Brown.
A spokesperson for the hotel says they have been able to rehire nearly 60% of its team members laid off due to the pandemic.
“It’s really exciting for all of us to know that peoples lively hoods are going to be preserved and what they’ve been fighting over the last few months will not be as much of a struggle, ” said Gary Bitner.
The connected Seminole Hotel is set to reopen beginning September 1st.
For more information on the new Safe and Sound guidelines head to
