The Illinois Gaming Board has once again extended the suspension of all brick-and-mortar gaming activity in the state as a result of novel coronavirus (Covid-19).
For the latest extension, however, the state regulator has not set a date at which the suspension will end.
This covers all video gaming operations across all licensed establishments, and all casino gambling operations until further notice.
“The health and safety of patrons, gaming industry employees, Gaming Board staff, and all others in Illinois is the Gaming Board’s top priority at this time,” the regulator said.
It would continue to monitor developments regarding the pandemic, and make decisions based on science, publish health guidance and applicable laws it added, with licensees and stakeholders updated as and when new information becomes available.
Illinois’ land-based gaming facilities first closed on 16 March, with the regulator saying at the time that it would review the suspension at the end of that month, before extending the shut-down to 30 April.
The state’s Governor JB Pritzker yesterday (30 April) announced that the stay at home executive order first issued in March would remain in place until the end of May. However, it will allow for a phased reopening of the state’s parks, with citizens required to wear face masks in public.
To date around 1,688 Illinois residents have died from Covid-19, with 36,934 cases of the disease reported.