Twin River Worldwide Holdings has confirmed the reopening of its Dover Downs Hotel and Casino in Dover with immediate effect. The firm also said it plans to reopen its two casinos in Rhode Island, including the flagship Twin River Casino Hotel, on June 8, at which time over 90% of its current portfolio will have resumed operations.

The announcement follows the successful reopening of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Biloxi on May 21 where strong initial results, said Twin River, point to a strong pent-up demand in regional markets. Through the first 10 days of operations, this property experienced slot and table win results that were up approximately 30% and 150% compared to the same period in the prior year, respectively.

As part of Twin River’s overall COVID-19 reopening plan, the company has committed to meeting or exceeding all guidelines established by the CDC. As such, it has implemented property-specific comprehensive health and safety protocols, developed in close consultation with applicable state regulators and public health officials in local jurisdictions. 

At Dover Downs, the company reopened with 30% of capacity which will allow for approximately 950 VLT machines to be in operation. Table games and the hotel will not be opened in the first phase of reopening. 

In Rhode Island, the firm will initially open to invited guests with 1,570 VLTs available at Twin River Casino, and approximately 375 VLTs at Tiverton Casino Hotel. Table games and the hotels will not be open in the initial re-opening phase; however, stadium gaming positions, with appropriate social distancing, will be open to provide customers with a live dealer experience. 

“We are very excited to continue to progress on our reopening plan and with the prospect of having our full portfolio opened by the beginning of July,” said George Papanier, President and CEO. 

“As evidenced by our successful reopening at Hard Rock Biloxi, there is strong market demand for which we are well-positioned as a regional gaming company focused on local and regional visitation. I am thankful and excited to welcome back our valued team members and loyal customers to safe and secure environments that meet or exceed CDC guidance.”

The company also predicted that its previously announced acquisition of Isle of Capri Kansas City in Missouri and Lady Luck Vicksburg in Mississippi, both of which have resumed operations, will complete in early July, pending Missouri regulatory approval.  

Papanier explained: “As we continue to reopen our properties, we are also looking forward to closing our previously announced acquisitions to expand our geographic footprint in attractive markets. Along with our recently closed acquisition in Black Hawk, Colorado, the five new properties we now have under contract are expected to drive sustained growth and enhance our already strong free cash flow profile.”