Maryland’s health department will begin offering COVID-19 vaccinations at the state’s six casinos this month, some as soon as this weekend, Gov. Larry Hogan announced on Thursday.
“Getting a booster shot is a safe bet on your health, and millions of Marylanders have already stepped up to get one,” Hogan said in a statement. “These clinics are another way to get more vaccines to the community, and I want to thank our casinos across the state for being such great community partners.”
Vaccinations will be administered to eligible people, regardless of whether they have an appointment or are walking up.
Coronavirus vaccinations will be administered at the Ocean Downs Casino in Berlin starting on Friday, Feb. 18, and at the Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland in Hanover starting on Saturday, Feb. 19.
Vaccinations will begin next Wednesday, Feb. 24, at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, the Horseshoe Baltimore Casino, and the Hollywood Casino Perryville.
Finally, the Rocky Gap Casino & Resort in Flintstone will begin offering vaccinations Feb. 26.
The current schedule for each site is as follows:
- Ocean Downs Casino in Berlin: vaccinations start Feb. 18, will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 6 p.m.
- Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland in Hanover: vaccinations starting Feb. 19, will be open from 12 to 5 p.m.
- MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill: vaccinations start Feb. 24, will be open Thursdays and Fridays from 12 to 6 p.m.
- Horseshoe Baltimore Casino in Baltimore: vaccinations start Feb. 24, will be open Thursdays and Fridays from 12 to 6 p.m.
- Hollywood Casino Perryville in Perryville: vaccinations start Feb. 24, will be open Thursdays and Fridays from 12 6 p.m.
- Rocky Gap Casino & Resort in Flintstone: vaccinations start Feb. 26, will be open Thursdays and Fridays from 12 to 6 p.m.
Vaccination clinic days and hours of operation are subject to change, so people should check with clinics before visiting.
The addition of the casino sites will further expand the number of sites where Marylanders can get vaccinated or boosted against COVID-19. The state currently has more than 550 pharmacies, clinics and other locations offering COVID-19 vaccinations, according to state officials.
People can find a vaccination clinic by visiting covidvax.maryland.gov. They can also call the state’s multilingual call center, available seven days a week, at 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829).
Hogan last week announced the second round of Maryland’s lottery-based vaccination incentive program, VaxCash 2.0, with the Maryland Lottery. Marylanders who have received their booster shot will be automatically entered for a chance to win thousands of dollars.
On Tuesday, a Dundalk resident won the first prize of $500,000.
Over the next 10 weeks, state officials will draw one winner of $50,000 each. Then, a $1 million grand prize will be awarded on May 3.
