People attending Sixers and Flyers games at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia will soon be required to show proof of vaccination.
Also, those visiting Philadelphia casinos – Live! Casino Philadelphia and Rivers Casino Philadelphia– will need to show proof of vaccination to enter.
The new proof of vax mandate goes into effect Jan. 3. In addition to proof of vaccination, you will need to show proper form of valid photo identification.
Vaccine proof for Flyers and Sixers games
The mandate, which was announced on Dec. 13, applies to indoor sports venues.
Before entering the Wells Fargo Center, visitors need to show proof of vaccination. At outdoor stadiums like Lincoln Financial Field and Citizens Bank Park, no proof of vax will be needed for entry. However, the mandate does apply to indoor restaurants at those venues.
Philadelphia Health Commissioner Cheryl Bettigole said:
“It applies to most of the Wells Fargo Center because people eat throughout the space.”
Mayor Jim Kenney added:
“New cases and hospitalizations are rising, and we must do more to protect our residents. The City’s indoor mask mandate helped us control case rates this fall, so we are rolling out a complementary vaccine mandate for food establishments, where masking is not feasible.”
Philadelphia proof of vaccine requirements
Starting Jan. 3, 2022, any place in Philadelphia that sells food or drink that is consumed onsite may only admit people who have completed people who have completed their vaccine series against COVID-19.
From Jan. 3 – Jan. 17, places can choose to accept proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 24 hours of entry instead of proof of vaccination. After Jan. 17, negative COVID-19 tests can no longer be accepted in lieu of proof of vaccination.
Proof of vaccination also applies to staff.
Vaccine mandate at Philadelphia casinos
Casinos are listed in one of the places where the vaccine mandate applies. Live! Casino Philadelphia and Rivers Casino Philadelphia are located within the city limits.
Currently, masks are required at Philadelphia casinos and other indoor businesses. As a result, smoking is not permitted at Philly casinos right now.
Casinos that require proof of vaccine for entry
Philadelphia casinos would be among the first to call for proof vaccination.
New York City’s vaccine mandate applies to visitors at Resort World NY, the only casino in New York City.
The City of New Orleans has a similar vaccine rule which applies to Harrah’s New Orleans.
What might vaccine mandates mean for casinos and customers?
Former casino industry exec turned university instructor and casino consultant, Robert Ambrose gave his perspective on what producing proof of vaccination could mean for casinos and customers.
“This is another operational post-pandemic challenge for casinos under this mandate at least here in Philly. First, I think casino customers that are not vaccinated will just shift their loyalty to a non-mandated casino in the region or gamble online.
“I spent most of my career at the executive level in casino operations, so I look at the issues with ‘policing’ it. Covering the many casino entrances with staffing to check for vaccination cards will be a challenge. And using a security guard who is already posted at the entrance to handle this task adds another item to their list of underage ID checks and watching for suspicious activity.
“On the consumer side, I think most casino customers will comply. However, if lines become long to enter the casino because of card checks during a busy night, this could be a negative for the guest. I think other casino jurisdictions will be watching how this pans out.
“The casino/hospitality industry has already raised the bar on displaying a healthier footprint for guests and employees. Casino operators have gone to great expense to create a guest and employee environment that will keep them safe while trying not to sacrifice service quality. I think more people will be accepting of this mandate than not.”
