The The Viejas Casino near San Diego was the first California Tribal Casinos to reopen this week, and more have plans to follow. Players had their temperatures taken as they poured through the doors, and they were told to wear their face masks.

Public health officials acknowledged the Tribes are sovereign authorities who can make these sorts of decisions without the approval of state and local restrictions.

Every other slot machine was turned off but the strong turnout meant many customers were still playing less than six feet apart. Card dealers worked with up to three players at a table and there were no barriers separating them – also far less than six feet apart.

Within an hour of opening at 8 a.m., the first three floors of four-story parking garage were full at the casino, which has 2,500 slot machines in Alpine, east of San Diego.

You can read more about which are the California Tribal Casinos that will reopen next at KCRA.