The Saint Patrick’s Day of 2020 will be etched in memory as the night when every casino in Nevada was plunged into darkness. On this Tuesday, Steve Sisolak, the Governor of Nevada, ordered a shutdown of all non-essential businesses in the state for a 30-day period. This proactive measure was taken to curb the rapid spread of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus.
Sisolak began his press conference by stating:
“Having consulted with Nevada’s leading medical authorities to evaluate our present circumstances and the most prudent forthcoming measures, Governor Sisolak issued a statement. He relayed their advice, saying, ‘The most impactful strategy is to instruct all Nevadans to remain indoors and order all nonessential businesses to shut their doors to the public for a month.'”
Casinos And Non-Essential Businesses Must Close
Sisolak mandated a 30-day closure of nonessential businesses such as casinos and the majority of retail stores. At the stroke of midnight, all table games were ceased and gaming machines across Nevada were deactivated. This directive was issued after several Las Vegas casinos had voluntarily closed their doors earlier this week.
Gamblers need not worry as all is not lost. Nevada Gaming Control’s spokesperson informed ESPN’s David Purdum that mobile gaming will continue to operate despite the temporary closure of casinos. However, some sportsbook operators in the state have chosen to close regardless. As of this morning, the Circa Sports and William Hill apps are still accepting bets. Also, WSOP.com will stay open for poker players in Nevada.
The closure of businesses in Nevada is a severe measure which has been adopted by many states across the country to curb the spread of coronavirus. Similar orders have been issued in states like California, Connecticut, Florida, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
The following non-essential businesses, along with casinos, are also required to shut down for 30 days:
- Restaurants must close their dining rooms but can continue to offer takeout, drive-thru, and/or delivery services.
- Wineries, Bars, Pubs, Taverns
- Café establishments
- Gyms
- Cinema halls
- Malls
These businesses, unlike casinos, have until noon on Wednesday to close.
Essential Businesses Remain Open
Despite the fact that most businesses fostering social interaction are shutting down, there are still essential businesses needed for the survival of Nevada residents. The following businesses will continue to operate amid the 30-day shutdown in Nevada:
- Supermarkets
- Fuel stations
- Pharmacies
- Convenience and drug stores
- Police
- Hospitals
- Fire
- Banks
- Mail service locations
- Airports
Unprecedented Casino Closures
The coronavirus pandemic is an unprecedented event that the country has not witnessed in years. The Governor was explicit about the gravity of the situation during his press briefing. “As Nevada’s governor, safeguarding the health and well-being of every state resident is my duty,” Sisolak stated. “This is a serious matter. If anyone fails to comprehend the severity of the situation, I urge them to watch the news for a while.”
It’s rare for casinos in Nevada to close. The most recent closure of Las Vegas casinos occurred during John F. Kennedy’s funeral on November 25, 1963, and lasted only one day. Even after the events of 9/11, Nevada’s casinos remained open despite an initial decrease in visitors to Las Vegas.
Several casino companies voluntarily shut down before Governor Sisolak ordered a closure of all non-essential businesses. MGM Resorts and Wynn Resorts were among those that closed their Las Vegas casinos earlier this week. Other casinos, including the Cosmopolitan and The Venetian, announced they would also be closing prior to the Governor’s order.
The shutdown will permanently transform Nevada. Changes might also be seen in Las Vegas casinos. For nearly a year, Eldorado Resorts has been attempting to acquire Caesars Entertainment. A key part of this merger is cost-cutting. The temporary closure of all Caesars casinos nationwide could provide the company an opportunity to introduce new protocols.
Caesars is in the process of automating the Caesars Rewards experience in its casinos. According to Vital Vegas, the company might increase the use of self check-in kiosks when the casinos open again.
As it curbs the employment of numerous casino employees, Caesars’ cost-cutting endeavors will result in financial savings over time. A comparable automation plan was launched last year by MGM Resorts as part of the MGM 2020 initiative. Once the pandemic subsides, all casino operators in Nevada will have a minimum of 30 days to devise strategies to attract customers back.
