Twin River Casino opens back up in time for the holidays
LINCOLN, R.I. (WLNE) – Rhode Island’s three-week pause is officially over and that means casinos can now open back up.
Twin River re-opened the doors of both of their locations in Lincoln and Tiverton for the first time Monday morning.
Janice and Robert Deroy were itching to get back inside. They said they were prepared to lose some money, but most importantly, have some fun.
“I’m happy it’s open because I have nothing else to do with my time!” Janice Deroy said.
The Deroy’s said they weren’t nervous about returning back to the casino even as Rhode Island’s COVID numbers still rank among the top in the nation.
“We’ve gone in all the time before and never got sick or anything,” Janice Deroy said. “They’re pretty good about cleaning and most people wear a mask.”
The Vice President and General Manager of Twin River Casino & Hotel, Craig Sculos, said the re-opening comes at the perfect time. The holidays are typically one of the busiest times of the year.
“A lot of folks in Rhode Island take the time off, it’s also vacation week,” Sculos said. “Now with the new norm, we don’t know what to expect, but we’re just pleased to be open.”
Sculos says they spent the last three weeks cleaning and renovating. When you enter the building, you’ll get your temperature taken and scan your ID for contact tracing. Inside, masks are mandatory and there’s Plexiglas separating all players.
Hotels, valet parking and the event center is closed, but restaurants and bars are open under the state’s guidelines.
“We’re steadily gaining some foot traffic in the building, but I think overall the reaction from the staff and players, we’re just happy to be back,” Sculos said.
As New Years Eve creeps up, Sculos says they’re still figuring out those plans.
“No big celebrations. We’re happy to be open, were still working with the state to understand exactly what the statewide restrictions will be, but we’re at least in a position where part of that new years eve we’ll be able to have here.”
He says they’re working to figure out how late they can stay open on New Years Eve and what they can and can’t do in terms of entertainment.
For now, the casino will close at 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
