It may not be for a long time, but it’s aiming for a good time.
As Gov. Gavin Newsom relaxes COVID-19 restrictions around the state, California gamblers may soon see outdoor cardrooms reopening in Los Angeles County and other places.
Even in the midst of resuming operations, cardroom operators will still conduct their business in a modified fashion. For that reason, it may not resemble a flip of the switch to make these gambling facilities available again.
What we know about LA County cardrooms reopening
Los Angeles County has decided to keep in step with statewide directives regarding COVID-19 mitigation.
That means cardrooms can resume operations, albeit outdoors and at 50% of fire code capacity. Rather than competing indoors, then, players will be trying their hands in tents and on patios.
In addition to governmental restrictions, cardroom owners have instituted their own rules. That includes mandating all guests wear masks, submit to temperature checks, and refrain from drinking, eating, or smoking while seated at a playing table.
Although there are no restrictions for hours of operation, certain facilities will close to allow extra time for sanitization. Each facility will also have to make its own decisions about offering beverage and food service in its makeshift accommodations.
So which cardrooms in LA plan to reopen soon?
Most cardrooms have actually already reopened. You can find specific information, current at the time of writing, on each facility in LA County below.
Please be aware that, like with everything else amidst this pandemic, this information can change at any time.
- Bicycle Casino: Open now, 24 hours. Takeout food service only.
- Commerce Casino: Open now, 24 hours. Separated dining area available.
- Crystal Casino: Open now, hours 10 a.m. – close. Takeout food service only.
- The Gardens Casino: Open now, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Separate dining area available.
- Hollywood Park Casino: Open now, 24 hours. Separate dining area available.
- Hustler: Opening Wednesday, Feb. 3, at 9 a.m.
- Larry Flynt’s Lucky Lady Casino: Opening Wednesday, Feb. 3, at 9 a.m. 24 hours after that. Dining unavailable.
If cardrooms in other parts of the state are more convenient for you, you’re not left out in the cold. Operators in other regions are busy setting up their outdoor accommodations as well.
Status of cardrooms in the rest of California
If you have a favorite cardroom elsewhere in the state, your best bet will be to check with the individual California cardrooms to find out all the details on their plans to resume activity.
Here are a few highlights from elsewhere around the state:
- Bankers Casino: Open now, 24 hours. Takeout food service only, available 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Bay 101: Open now, 24 hours.
- Capitol Casino: Open now, 24 hours. Separate dining area available.
- Livermore Casino: Open now, 24 hours except for 2 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Mondays. Separate dining area available.
- Paso Robles Casino: Still closed, but website denotes “grand re-opening very soon.”
- Seven Mile Casino: Open now, 24 hours.
As time passes, California cardrooms will hopefully resume indoor operations. Until then, facilities around the state are doing their best to safely welcome players in their outdoor digs again.