When casinos re-opened, Connecticut was the first to open. Finally, it was time to visit a casino outside of Connecticut as they opened up a month later. This report brings us to Lincoln, Rhode Island. Here’s our Twin River Casino Trip Report After Reopening in October 2020.
Note – At the time of this report, Twin River Withholding had not changed its name to Bally’s.
Related Post – Bally’s Corporation Continues Expanding Brand
Twin River Casino Trip Report
TRWH Flagship During Covid
While Twin River Casino is open 24 hours on the weekend, the casino opens at 10 AM during the week. I arrived at 11:00, ready to start my journey. Only two entrances are open at this time, the North and West. I entered the West entrance, where Valet was located and is closed for the foreseeable future.
The entrance protocol takes longer than other New England casinos. Upon arrival, every player and employee must stand in front of a thermal camera at either entrance. Then, guests briefly pull their masks down to have staff take their temperature and picture, which is over in less than five seconds. However, if it’s busy, lines will form, slowing down the process. But wait, there’s more.
Step two also takes about 5 seconds per person by inserting your license in a small reader. Twin River can now follow capacity guidelines and enact Covid Tracking procedures. Remember to do this as you leave.
First Impressions
As I walked the top floor casino, I noticed machines shut off and plexiglass between machines. In banks of 5 slot machines or more, plexiglass was used to separate two end machines or other groups of machines to offer more slots available. These plexiglass separators seemed homemade, complete with stands (that look like they are missing the umbrella) and red tape applied by Twin River staff. As odd as they looked, they worked well.
Slots, Slots, and More Slots
Twin River Casino has always seemed to have a bad reputation for cleanliness. Maybe it goes back to the Greyhound racing days and all those loser pari-mutuel tickets on the floor. But it is much cleaner, especially with no smoking throughout. It smells better, too.
The addition of the newest slots on both floors was exciting to see. New slots give a cleaner feeling.
And why are those old VLTs with their ’90s video game sounds still on the casino floor? Tradition?…Poor Video poker?…..Keno? You got me.
Available Dining
- Food options are Slim pickings during the week.
- Food courts are open but limited.
- Wicked Good Bar and Grill is open at Noon.
And that’s it! But if you are a true New Englander, you can always find something to eat at Dunkin Donuts!
Gambling Specifics
- Slots – many good, new machines. Old favorites like Cleo II and Cashman are still available if you look for them.
- Video Poker – what can I say? Poor pay tables on VLTs and IGT games downstairs. The Ultimate X video poker bank is gone unless it has been moved and hidden.
- Table games include Live Roulette, Blackjack, Three Card Poker, Let It Ride Poker, Spanish 21, Baccarat, and Craps. Minimums seem to start at $10 for most.
- Stadium Roulette and Stadium Baccarat are available and moved downstairs.
- Pai Gow Poker and Tiles are available. Two tables each, but mostly only one open. The minimum is $25.
- Sports Book – Grandstand ONLY was open, and capacity is controlled. Quite a line out the door, social distanced at Noon. The 3rd floor will remain CLOSED until further notice.
- The poker room remains closed.
Summary
Miguel, our slot, and Rhode Island Correspondent, and I enjoyed a five-hour visit. Twin River Worldwide Holding, the parent company, has a lot going on these days. And while it still feels like the old Twin River, I can’t wait for TRWH to expand the property and add new food options. Twin River is on the rise.
Binbin