Massachusetts gaming commission cracks down after big casino hotel party flouting COVID-19 regulations
BOSTON – All bets are off when it comes to gambling with public health at casino properties in Massachusetts, after a party inside an Encore Boston Harbor hotel suite attracted more than 100 guests, violating state regulations meant to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
“The stakes are too high for anything but full compliance with those safety standards,” said Massachusetts Gaming Commission Chairperson Cathy Judd-Stein. “I want to remind us all of how critically important it is that we remain vigilant in our efforts.”
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission on Thursday addressed protocol changes at Encore Boston Harbor in light of a party that lasted until 3 a.m. on Aug. 16, when more than 110 people were finally cleared from a hotel suite by security and state police, about three hours after the gathering was first reported to staff by a tipster who saw pictures of the event on Instagram.
Face masks were missing and social distancing guidelines were flouted, said Karen Wells, interim director of the state commission and the director of its investigations and enforcement bureau.
“The majority of them were not wearing masks,” said Wells, delivering a report on the incident to the gaming commission board members, reports The Enterprise, which is part of the USA TODAY Network.
The gaming commission issued an order of noncompliance to Encore Boston Harbor after a swift investigation in concert with state police, requiring the resort casino property to implement measures to make sure its guests comply with the state’s coronavirus public health orders, Wells said. The party organizer, identified as Dorchester resident George Gerez, was charged with disorderly conduct for hosting the gathering and issued a $500 citation for violating the state’s coronavirus pandemic order prohibiting large indoor gatherings, Wells said. Gerez, who had a DJ playing at the late night party, later took to social media with a post sharing a photograph of his $500 fine, stating, “Knew this was coming.”
