Illinois Gaming Board MEMO – COVID 19

A Safe Return to Gaming Operations

Yesterday (June 9, 2020) the Illinois Gaming Board posted a memo outlining the protocols Terminal Operators (“TOs”) must follow to obtain approval to safely resume video gaming operations in partnership with Licensed Establishments (“LEs”) throughout the State. The details of those protocols are listed below. Click here to view and print the full memo. 

---

The IGB is mindful of the hardship and dire economic disruption this pandemic is causing for the video gaming industry, licensees and their employees, and communities across Illinois. The IGB is committed to the safe, fair, deliberate, consistent, and regulatory compliant resumption of video gaming. The timing and conditions for such a resumption will be based upon public health guidance and metrics, and will proceed within the framework of Governor Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan.

In accordance with the Restore Illinois Plan and Section 9 of the May 29, 2020 Disaster Proclamation issued by Governor Pritzker, which requires the Board to develop and implement strategies and plans to cope with and recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, this memo outlines protocols Terminal Operators (“TOs”) must follow to obtain approval to safely resume video gaming operations in partnership with Licensed Establishments (“LEs”) throughout the State.

For planning purposes, the IGB presently envisions that resumption of video gaming will not happen before Illinois enters Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan – which can happen at the earliest on June 26, 2020. The IGB will announce when VGTs may be activated for live play. Please note that this timeline is subject to change based on public health and safety conditions.

Allowable Number of VGTs Per Location – The IGB will allow TOs, in consultation with LEs, to decide how many VGTs are operational in each LE. Below are four options from which TOs and LEs can choose to resume video gaming:

1. Option 1 – The TO erects transparent physical partitions between VGTs to separate customers (e.g., safety glass, acrylic, Plexiglas or solid plastic shields). The partition must be easy to clean and sanitize. The partition must be at least 1 foot higher than head level for customers seated, and the depth should be measured from the front of the cabinet extended towards the player at a distance of at least 3 feet. The transparent physical partition should extend downward to at least the seat level for a seated patron.
2. Option 2 – With IGB approval, a TO can adjust the VGT layout in an LE within the approved gaming area in order to socially distance the VGTs with at least 6 feet of distance from base to base. To proceed under this option in Phase 4 of Restore Illinois, the TO must advise the IGB and Scientific Games which VGTs in each LE meet the 6 foot distance requirement.
3. Option 3 – If a TO and LE elect to proceed under either Option 1 or Option 2 but cannot make the necessary physical improvements to do so by Phase 4, the TO should tell the IGB and Scientific Games which VGTs in the relevant LE already meet the 6 foot social distancing requirement. The IGB and Scientific Games will then activate only those VGTs pending completion of the remaining steps required to meet the conditions of Option 1 or Option 2, as appropriate.
4. Option 4 – A TO and LE can elect to proceed under a plan that combines the elements of Option 1 and Option 2 and allows for the use of partitions and 6 foot spacing between VGTs with the requisite IGB approval to move VGTs and adjust an LE’s layout.

Whichever option, or combination of options, is selected for an LE, it must be described by each TO in a manner the IGB and Scientific Games prescribes to TOs. As the resumption of video gaming proceeds over subsequent weeks, the IGB will monitor public health conditions and LE and TO compliance with social distancing requirements and other COVID-19 mitigation protocols to make decisions regarding operation of any remaining inactive VGTs, as appropriate.

Temporary Performance of Certain Actions by TOs – To safely expedite certain resumption activities and efficiently use available IGB and Scientific Games resources, and until the IGB determines it is no longer warranted, TOs may perform repairs, deliveries, updates, and certain other necessary tasks without participation from an onsite Scientific Games technician. Such requests must be submitted to the IGB and Scientific Games in advance of any proposed activities.

Pandemic Response Liaison – Each TO shall designate and identify to the IGB an employee who will serve as the TO’s Pandemic Response Liaison. The Liaison will be the primary point of contact with the IGB regarding the TO’s Pandemic Resumption Plan (discussed immediately below). The Liaison will also be responsible for ensuring the TO’s compliance with the Pandemic Resumption Plan, IGB Rules, State law (including executive orders) and applicable IDPH, DCEO guidance and CDC social distancing and COVID 19 requirements. The Liaison shall also assist public health authorities with any needed contact tracing and information sharing.

Pandemic Resumption Plan – Each TO shall submit its proposed Pandemic Resumption Plan to the IGB. The Plan must receive IGB approval before any of a TO’s VGTs may go live for any public-facing video gaming play at any LE of any kind. Submitted plans must be consistent with current IDPH, DCEO, and CDC guidance, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) recommendations, executive orders, and any other applicable State or local health and safety requirements or guidelines. The IGB will review, evaluate and approve all proposed COVID 19 health and safety response practices in consultation with IDPH.

Additionally, LEs are responsible for complying with all applicable local, State and federal health and safety requirements that govern their operations.

TOs should submit a single plan for items #1 thru #9 below to the IGB by email to VGCovidRequest@igb.illinois.gov.

Please note: if a TO already submitted a proposed plan to the IGB, that TO should review the plan to confirm it meets these Resumption Protocols and resubmit the plan to the IGB at the above- referenced email address.

At a minimum, Plans must address in detail the following items:

1. Reopening Procedures and Waiver Requests – Plans shall detail any gaming regulatory reopening procedures, and waiver requests, necessary to reopen and/or implement the Resumption Plan.
2. Social Distancing Requirements – Plans shall detail how current social distancing requirements will be observed and enforced in the following settings:
   • points of ingress and egress to the gaming area
   • VGTs during play
   • all queuing areas
   • gaming area surrounding the VGTs
   • tables and seating areas, including chairs/stools, in the gaming area
   • redemption terminals and kiosks
   • accommodation and protection of employees with compromised immune systems
   • procedures for responding to LEs or patrons who do not comply with social distancing requirements
3. Personal Protective Equipment (“PPE”) – Plans shall detail how current State PPE usage requirements will be observed and enforced, including without limitation:
   • distribution and availability of face masks and other appropriate PPE to patrons and employees
   • PPE use requirements for patrons and employees, including exceptions and procedures for identity verification and surveillance purposes
   • procedures for responding to patrons and LEs who refuse to comply with PPE requirements
   • procedures for proper and safe disposal of used PPE
   • requirement that all patrons and employees have some type of face-covering o steps taken to ensure an adequate PPE supply chain including how the PPE is obtained/stored
   • specify the number of days the supply must be stored and the minimum PPE storage reserves that will be maintained (in days).
4. Cleaning, Disinfecting and Sanitizing – Plans shall detail procedures and schedules for enhanced regular cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing and for recurring deep cleaning and disinfecting of the licensed establishment, including the frequency and interval at which the various activities will occur. Cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing schedules and procedures must be coordinated between the TO and LE and set forth in the Resumption PlanLEs must have an established cleaning protocol, PPE, wipes, and hand sanitizer stations in order to resume gaming operations. Therefore, the IGB will consider these items as necessary for the conduct of gaming operations and a TO’s provision of these items to an LE will not be considered an inducement so long as the health and cleaning products provided are directly related to compliance with IDPH and CDC guidelines and an approved Resumption Plan.Note: All gaming areas, including VGTs, must be deep cleaned, sanitized and disinfected prior to reopening.At a minimum, plans shall provide procedures for the cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing the following areas:
   • VGTs
   • VGT partitions (if applicable)
   • counters and other frequently touched surfaces in the gaming area
   • chairs/stools in the gaming area
   • redemption terminals, kiosks, and ATMsPlans shall outline steps that will be taken to ensure the continuing supply of appropriate cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing products (including hand sanitizer). Plans shall detail the placement and availability of hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes in patron and employee areas
5. Signage – Plans shall detail the placement and use of signage on property, including floor markings, to remind patrons and employees of social distancing requirements, proper handwashing, use of sanitizers, use of PPE, and to stay at home if feeling sick. Signage must be displayed at the entrance to the gaming area and inside the gaming area and should instruct patrons on the policies of the LE (and TO as appropriate) relating to COVID-19 mitigation procedures. TOs must ensure that signage at each location conforms to an approved Resumption Plan.Below is a non-exhaustive example of suggested signage content:
   • At Entrance to Gaming Area:
     • “STOP! Access to Gaming Area Restricted!
     • IF YOU DON’T FEEL WELL OR HAVE A TEMPERATURE, PLEASE LEAVE THE PREMISES. Please see Attendant for seating.
     • Facemasks MUST ALWAYS BE worn in the Gaming Area.
     • Violators will be asked to leave IMMEDIATELY.”
   • At Entrance to Gaming Area:
     • “STOP! Access to Gaming Area Restricted!
     • IF YOU DON’T FEEL WELL OR HAVE A TEMPERATURE, PLEASE LEAVE THE PREMISES. Please see the Attendant for seating.
     • Facemasks MUST ALWAYS BE worn in the Gaming Area.
     • Violators will be asked to leave IMMEDIATELY.”
   • On Each VGT Screen & Redemption Terminal Between Uses and Removed By Attendant Prior to Use by Patrons:
     • “STOP!
     • Please ASK an Attendant BEFORE proceeding.
     • Violators will be asked to leave IMMEDIATELY.”
6. Capacity and Occupancy – Plans shall detail procedures to ensure facility compliance with DCEO capacity and occupancy guidelines for bars and restaurants, and that facility occupancy levels remain consistent with observance of IDPH and CDC 6 foot social distancing requirements.
7. Daily Health Screening – Plans shall detail how employees and patrons will be screened for fever and other symptoms or illness and for possible exposure to COVID 19. Plans should also address steps that will be taken to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”) in connection with such screening. Individuals that do not pass health screening shall not be allowed entry to the gaming area.
8. Training for COVID 19 – Plans shall provide for employee training and instruction on the following minimum required topics:
   • proper use and disposal of PPE
   • social distancing guidelines and COVID- 9 exposure mitigation strategies, including hand washing and to stay home if feeling sick
   • recognition of possible COVID 19 symptoms
   • procedures for reporting possible COVID 19 exposure
   • procedures for responding to patrons and LEs who refuse to comply with social distancing and PPE requirements
   • procedures for accommodation and protection of employees with compromised immune systems
   • compliance with the Resumption Plan
   • proper use and disposal of cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing products Note: Employees must be instructed to stay at home if they feel sick, and to notify a supervisor if they observe a patron or co-worker exhibiting COVID 19 symptoms or other illness. Employees shall not be disciplined or otherwise penalized for staying home from work because they were sick, experienced COVID 19 symptoms, were exposed to COVID- 9, received a positive COVID 19 diagnosis, or were subject to mandatory quarantine. Nor shall employee bonuses or incentives be tied to attendance in any way that could incentivize employees to come to work while sick.
9. Monitoring and Reporting – Plans shall detail the procedures for ensuring compliance with the TO’s Resumption Plan and for prompt reporting of all violations and deficiencies to the IGB. Plans shall also detail procedures for reporting confirmed patron or employee cases of COVID-19 in conformity with IDPH and local county health authority guidelines.