The Bicycle Hotel & Casino Is Back With Outdoor Gaming!

The Bicycle Hotel & Casino in Bell Gardens, California officially reopened on Monday, Oct. 5, welcoming back eager players after roughly six months of closure. The legendary Los Angeles card room has resumed offering 24/7 gaming with a brand-new outdoor gaming area that features a total of 71 tables, including 23 poker tables ready for action. All gaming will take place outdoors for now to comply with state mandates.

The Bike had previously reopened in late June, announcing a sweeping safety plan called the ‘WE CARE’ initiative that is “designed to enhance safety and minimize risk for our patrons and team members.”

The property had to once again halt operations just a few weeks later after an order from California Gov. Gavin Newsom that imposed restrictions on indoor businesses. Casinos were not the only businesses impacted by the order, which also included rules affecting dine-in restaurants, wineries and bars, family entertainment centers, movie theaters, zoos, and museums.

But now, with the addition of outdoor gaming, The Bike is officially back!

“It was our highest priority as a company to first and foremost create a safe environment for our guests and employees,” said Managing General Partner and CEO Hashem Minaiy. “After establishing COVID-19 safety protocols, I felt bringing sophistication and elegance to the outdoor gaming experience would add a level of familiarity that players have come to know and love about The Bike. I am thrilled with what our team has been able to accomplish in such a short time.”

Safety First

The Bike staff were excited to make the reopening announcement, but were also careful to point out just how seriously they are taking this pandemic. “Your health and safety will remain our top priority,” said a casino spokesperson. “Masks and temperature checks will be required. We look forward to seeing you soon!”

The ‘WE CARE’ commitment is the centerpiece of the reopening plan for the casino. To read a fully-detailed description of the initiative, visit www.thebike.com.

“The Bicycle Hotel & Casino has a long-standing commitment to the health and safety of our patrons and employees. This commitment is the focal point of our health and sanitation program for reopening in a safe environment,” said the Bike in an official statement.

“This plan was developed after consulting all available information and guidance from the CDC and state and local public health agencies and in collaboration with medical experts from UCLA and USC. The goal of the plan is to provide for significantly enhanced sanitation and safety protocols and to ensure that employees, vendors, and customers are able to visit our properties and participate in our games while keeping safe and helping mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”

The casino has introduced several measures designed to help with social distancing, including signage and floor graphics throughout the property reminding guests and team members to stay at least six feet apart whenever possible. Transparent barriers have also been installed throughout the casino, including at the hotel front desk, the welcome center, concierge desks, and gaming tables. Gaming areas will also be smoke-free, with smoking only allowed in designated areas outside.

You Can Play, Stay, And Dine At The Bike

All-day gaming is now running throughout the week, and every table is equipped with physical barriers between players. New, custom-made poker tables of extended length are also in use, ensuring players are comfortably spaced while playing.

For the time being, tournaments have been temporarily suspended, but cash games are running.

“Many games that you are familiar with will be offered, but not all game types and limits will be available and may change on a daily basis. Please download our Bicycle Casino App for active tables available and contact us before your visit.”

When it comes to dining, both the popular Bike Brewery and Starbucks are open daily. Eating and drinking aren’t allowed at gaming tables due to health guidelines, and food and drink must be consumed in outdoor designated areas.

The outdoor gaming areas have also temporarily impacted the way that parking was previously set up. As a result, valet services have been suspended. Hotel guest parking is located in Lot A, near the main entrance, while casino parking will be located in the south parking lot.

About The Bicycle Hotel & Casino

The Bicycle Hotel & Casino unveiled a $50 million hotel expansion to the property late in 2015, improving on what was already one of the best places in the world to play poker. The 117,907-square-foot addition boasts 99 rooms, including 29 suites, as well as a multitude of other amenities. The hotel is open and taking reservations, with Player Rewards rates still available.

Upgraded safety protocols for the hotel include disinfecting of ‘high-touch’ items throughout guest suites, including television remotes, door handles, light switches, bathroom surfaces, and more. Linens are being washed with appropriate cleaning products to eliminate possible viral and bacterial pathogens.

In-room dining has been suspended for the time being, although take-out is available from the Bike Brewery. The hotel spa is temporarily closed, but the pool and gym are open for guests to use with appropriate safety precautions.

The Bicycle Hotel & Casino Looks Forward To Seeing You Soon!

The Bike first opened in 1984. The casino has run one of the largest poker rooms in the world for decades and has played host to many legendary poker tournaments including the World Poker Tour, the World Series of Poker Circuit, and the Card Player Poker Tour. The CPPT has teamed up with the Bike for seven series, with the most recent seeing Vyacheslav Stoyanov capture the title and the top prize of $108,480 in the $1,100 buy-in main event in December of 2019.

After roughly six months of halted operations, the Bike is officially back and ready to provide the poker, gaming, dining, and hotel excellence that has made it a must-visit destination in the Los Angeles area. For more information about planning your next visit, head to www.thebike.com, or call (562) 806-4646. ♠