To bet or not to bet? Casinos, gamblers weigh virus concerns

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. » Gamblers and vacationers who had planned to visit U.S. casinos expressed a mixture of disappointment and relief over a wave of closings in at least 15 states as officials worked on slowing the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Some said they still plan to visit casinos.

Many casinos, where hundreds or even thousands of people touch the same slot machines and gambling chips, remain open. The casinos that remain open say they are stepping up cleaning and sanitization efforts.

Sherry Giordano, an Atlantic City casino regular from Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, has a trip booked for this weekend that will be canceled. But she would have been hesitant to go even if the casinos had been open, because of her husband’s health history that could make him more susceptible to the virus.

“I’m less concerned with my own safety, and I think a lot of people have a tendency to think that way, which is both kind of stupid and selfish because we can endanger others,” she said. “I not only love gambling, I love meeting people and escaping reality.

“Atlantic City is very important to me and my husband,” she said. “But I think it’s the right thing to do. I would rather err (on the side of) caution rather than jeopardize a life.”

For most people, the virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death. The vast majority of people recover.

Troy Wildasin, an Emmaus, Pennsylvania, casino patron, said that even in the best of times, the sanitary state of casinos left a lot to be desired.

“Not only would this help the chance of decreasing the virus outbreak, but this will also give the opportunity to give the casinos a fresh cleanup,” he said. “There is not one casino, regardless of city, that is clean. Hard to do properly when they are open 24/7.”

Michael Magbaleta, of Jersey City, New Jersey, frequents casinos in Atlantic City, Las Vegas and Pennsylvania, but said he won’t be going in the near future.

“I’d feel a bit antsy and paranoid going on a casino trip now,” he said “As it is, Wind Creek at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, closed down, and they have a huge customer base traveling from New York City to that resort. I’m glad they are taking extreme measures to protect the employees and public.”

Sherry Cannon of Toledo, Ohio, is canceling a Las Vegas trip planned for midMay.

“I am not comfortable going to any casino any where in the world right now,” she said. “It makes me sad, but I would rather myself and my 80-year-old mother stay alive and not spread anything to anyone else. I am glad the casino here in Toledo closed, and I’m happy the ones in Detroit closed because if they hadn’t, my mom would be trying to get me to go!”