Penn Gaming suspends Ohio operations

Penn National Gaming, the major US operator based in Pennsylvania, has suspended all operations at its four locations in Ohio as a precautionary measure against the spread of coronavirus.

Following the state’s executive order, all 11 casinos and racetracks with VLTs in Ohio are considered places of “mass gatherings” and are not permitted to accommodate more than 100 people at a time. All of the Penn locations have a total of 2,000 staff, so the company has no choice but to close down.

Said Jay Snowden, president and CEO: “Since the coronavirus threat began there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at any Penn National casino and we have implemented stringent CDC-recommended protocols throughout our enterprise, including increased daily cleaning regimens at our facilities, maximising air circulation, cancelling or postponing all concerts and live events and we’re in the process of temporarily closing down buffets, among other initiatives.

“As for our 2,000 team members who will be impacted by this temporary closure, we plan to continue to pay their full wages and benefits through the end of March, with the hope that the situation on the ground in Ohio will permit the governor to lift his order by then.”

Pictured is Penn’s Hollywood Casino in Columbus, Ohio.