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Casinos reopen during Oklahoma's phase 2

Posted at 5:44 PM, May 15, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-15 21:17:05-04

TULSA, Okla. — Oklahoma is officially in phase two of reopening.

More businesses and entertainment venues welcomed customers back on Friday.

Hundreds eagerly waited in line as Osage Casinos reopened six of its locations.

The casino doors reopened at 10 a.m. to a crowd of people waiting right outside, anxious to get in after the casino’s been closed for more than a month.

The casino is now limiting games and capacity, only allowing 1200 people in at a time.

Hundreds of people waited in line for a chance to try their luck and for a change in scenery.

“I was staying at home, being bored because I can’t get no where,” Kyle Deroussel said.

“I’m pretty excited to get out of the house after two months," Jay Richey said. "For the first time in 12 years, I haven’t had a grandkid to go to baseball games, because they’ve cancelled them all.”

Osage Casinos made several changes to social distancing and sanitation measures before reopening six locations.

Masks and gloves are recommended but not mandatory for guests.

Employees play a major role in sanitation measures, following behind players to clean the machines.

Many of the electronic games are off limits and shut down to allow more space between players.

The new restrictions, however, are not a problem for guests like Patt Free-Walker.

“We’re thrilled to be here. Actually my sister came with me," Free-Walker said. “I’m happy to see the crowd here.”

Table games such as Black Jack, Craps and Roulette, are all closed off to players for now.

The temporary casino closures has been devastating for Osage Nation.

Leaders said the loss of revenue has impacted numerous programs, tribal economic development and other organizations they help fund.

The changes will stay like this for a while with the Osage Casinos following any new recommendations from the CDC.

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