Mohegan Sun Pocono in Wilkes-Barre and Mount Airy Casino in Mt. Pocono reopen on June 22
As Luzerne and Monroe counties move into the green phase of reopening this Friday, June 19, both Mohegan Sun Pocono in Wilkes-Barre and Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono have announced that they will reopen on Monday, June 22 for the first time in three months.
Comprehensive safety and social distancing protocols will be in place at the casinos, including non-invasive thermal temperature scans, protective face mask requirements for guests and employees, increases in hand sanitizer dispensers and disinfecting wipes, plexiglass dividers at transactional locations, safety signage and floor decals to promote and reinforce social distancing, guest capacity limits in all sections, and reduced seating at slots, table games, restaurants, and bars.
“Over the past few months, Mohegan Sun Pocono has been laser-focused on preparing our property for a safe reopen, and we’re really excited to welcome back both our valued guests and more of our incredible team members on June 22,” Mohegan Sun Pocono President and General Manager Anthony Carlucci said in a press release.
“With the guidance of industry experts, regulatory agencies, and in closely mirroring the comprehensive protocols put in place by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment’s flagship property in Connecticut, we feel we are well-prepared for our doors to open and can’t wait to welcome guests to a clean, safe, and fun environment.”
On March 16, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board issued an order to close all casinos and cease all gaming activities by 6 a.m. on March 17 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Both venues have been closed since then, though the Mount Airy Golf Club was able to open on May 2.
“We have made a commitment to providing our guests with the highest standards of cleanliness and safety,” Mount Airy Casino Resort Vice President of Marketing Glenn Cademartori said in another release.
“The safety and well-being of our team members and guests are our top priority, and we are confident that the measures in place will ensure a safe, clean, and enjoyable experience for all. In working with the PGCB and regional healthcare professionals, we have implemented a multitude of new policies and procedures that will keep everyone safe but still allow them to experience the many things they love about our resort.”
With doors opening at 10 a.m., Mohegan Sun Pocono’s initial reopening will only have two guest entrances: the main valet entrance and hotel valet entrance. The racing entrance will open in the near future. Bar Louie, Electric City Roasting Company, Johnny Rockets, Molly O’Sheas, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Rustic Kitchen, Sunburst Bar, Tony Lukes, Unibet Sportsbook, and the VIP Lounge will be open. Areas that will remain closed for the opening include valet parking, the poker room, pools, gyms, Bean & Vine, Breakers, Pacer’s Clubhouse, Pearl, Slice’d, Seasons Buffet, Spa Sapphire, Starting Gate Bar, and Winner’s Circle. The Hotel at Mohegan Sun Pocono will resume operations on Sunday, June 28 and begin accepting reservations on June 22. See all of Mohegan Sun’s COVID-19 safety protocols and updates here.
At Mount Airy Casino Resort, which is opening at noon, a maximum of 37 guests and 186 guests will be allowed at one time at the indoor pool and outdoor pools, respectively. Chaise lounge chairs, cabanas, towel desks, entry doors, and all other desks and counters will be sanitized regularly. Day passes have been temporarily suspended. The spa and salon will function under strict CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines, and certain services and facilities will not be available. The fitness center will be available to guests 24/7 and will be cleaned daily with periodic checks throughout the day. Guests will be encouraged to wipe down machines before and after use with provided cleaning materials. See all of Mount Airy’s COVID-19 safety measures and updates here.
According to Governor Tom Wolf’s plan to reopen Pennsylvania, the green phase’s social restrictions are as follows:
- Large gatherings of more than 250 are prohibited.
- Masks are required when entering a business.
- Restaurants and bars can open at 50 percent occupancy.
- Indoor recreation, health, and wellness facilities and personal care services (such as gyms and spas) can open at 50 percent occupancy with appointments strongly encouraged.
- All entertainment (such as casinos, theaters, and shopping malls) can open at 50 percent occupancy.
- Construction activity may return to full capacity with the continued implementation of protocols.
Personal care services (including hair salons and barbershops) can open at 50 percent occupancy and by appointment only.
Mohegan Sun Pocono, owned by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, was the first destination to bring gaming to Pennsylvania in 2006 and has since become one of the premier entertainment, gaming, shopping, and dining destinations in the state. Situated on 400 acres in Plains, Mohegan Sun Pocono features a 238-room hotel with on-site spa and adjacent 20,000 square-foot Convention Center.
It is currently home to 82,000 square feet of gaming space, including nearly 60 live table games, over 1,900 slot machines and electronic table games, a variety of dining and shopping options, nightlife, entertainment, and live harness racing. Mohegan Sun Pocono is within easy access of New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware. More information is available by calling 1.888.WIN.IN.PA (1.888.946.4672) or visiting mohegansunpocono.com.
Mount Airy Casino Resort (312 Woodland Rd., Mt. Pocono) boasts the ultimate gaming experience with over 1,800 slot machines, 80 table games, and a recently opened sportsbook. As Pennsylvania’s first AAA Four Diamond-rate casino, the resort’s nearly 300 upscale guest rooms and suites are complemented by a 20,000-square-foot convention center and ballroom that serve as a state-of-the-art venue for private and corporate events, weddings, and entertainment. Guests can discover a variety of signature restaurant options, including Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen and the award-winning Bistecca by Il Mulino.
This all-encompassing, full service resort destination for outdoor enthusiasts and gaming enthusiasts alike features a Sports Illustrated-recognized lakefront 18-hole golf course; a 16,000-square foot spa, salon, and exercise facility; a $6 million luxury indoor/outdoor pool and entertainment complex, aptly called Wet; and a covered outdoor pavilion that hosts summer concert series. Mount Airy Casino Resort is less than 90 minutes from Philadelphia, New York City, and northern New Jersey. For reservations, call 1-877-682-4791 or visit mountairycasino.com.
