Talking Stick Resort, Casino Arizona to reopen June 1: Here are the changes they're making

TALKING STICK ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT — The Salt River's Talking Stick Resort and Casino Arizona will open at noon on Monday, June 1 with some slot machines and table games open, as well as physical distancing measures in place.

Both of the Scottsdale-area casinos have been closed since mid-March when efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Arizona were put into place.

“We are excited to welcome back not only our loyal guests but also our employees, both of whom have been so patient and supportive throughout this closure,” said Ramon Martinez, director of public relations for Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort, in a prepared statement. “We took great care and the necessary time to implement a phased reopening plan with new protocols that will keep their health and safety top of mind across all facets of our operations.”

Here is what you need to know if you're planning to hit the casino floor:

• Employees and guests will undergo temperature checks before being allowed into either casino. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 or above will not be allowed in.
• Masks are required for both guests and employees
• Smoking has been temporarily barred inside the casinos, but there will be a designated smoking area outside
• Plexiglass has been installed at slot machines and table games; some slot machines have been taken out of service to encourage social distancing
• The number of people at some table games have also been reduced
• Casino Arizona will have Bingo with limited capacity and Talking Stick Resort will have poker with limited capacity

Restaurants will be open at both casinos, however, there will be no restaurant seating. Grab-and-go-type items will also be available for purchase.

At Talking Stick Resort, Black Fig, Blue Coyote Café and Ocean Trail will be open. At Casino Arizona, The Coffee Station and Salt River Café will be open.

Both buffets -- Wandering Horse Buffet at Talking Stick Resort and Eagles Buffet at Casino Arizona -- will remain closed until further notice, according to the casino websites.

In recent weeks, a majority of the casinos in the Phoenix area have reopened as restrictions in the state have been loosened.

Gila River's three casinos -- Lone Butte, Vee Quiva, Wild Horse Pass -- opened on May 15, along with Fort McDowell and Harrah's Ak-Chin.

Desert Diamond's four casinos, including its newest in Glendale, Arizona, are set to reopen on Friday, June 5.