The global spread of coronavirus in the past 10 months has brought about significant changes, with Las Vegas being no exception. The impact of these changes will be more visible as casino operators navigate through coronavirus restrictions during this year’s Super Bowl.
Despite reduced capacities in casinos, restaurants, and bars due to coronavirus, Las Vegas remains a popular tourist destination. Visitors continue to be drawn to everything Las Vegas casinos have to offer. However, there is a noticeable change in the demographic of visitors during the pandemic.
The latest Visitor Profile by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reveals that in 2019, 49% of visitors travelled to Sin City by car. These folks continue to visit Las Vegas, with individuals from states like California and Arizona still arriving to spectate and bet on the Big Game.
Most of the 51% of people flying to Las Vegas are not going for the Super Bowl. This will facilitate the casinos’ compliance with the capacity restrictions imposed by the Nevada government.
Nevada casino capacity limits
Watching the Super Bowl won’t be the same as it has been in past years due to the ongoing presence of the coronavirus in Las Vegas and the continued implementation of capacity restrictions to maintain social distancing.
Only 25% capacity is allowed in casinos, restaurants, and bars. This means that there will be a 75% reduction in the number of people viewing the Super Bowl in sportsbooks and at parties. The experience might still be enjoyable, but it will differ from what many recall.
Nevada Gaming Control cracking down
The Nevada Gaming Control (NGC) is strictly enforcing these restrictions. Last week, the government body overseeing the gaming industry issued a reminder to casino operators about the current health and safety guidelines.
This Industry Notice serves as a reminder to licensees that all gaming properties in Nevada continue to be governed by Directive 035, Section 8. This directive restricts public gatherings to either 50 individuals or 25% of the stated fire code capacity of the area where the gathering is taking place, whichever is fewer. If a gaming licensee’s property has multiple separate rooms, arenas, areas, or buildings, this regulation may be applied separately to each distinct gathering space. This only applies if each space is divided from others by a solid wall, and if each space has its own unique fire code occupancy capacity.
Please be informed that the Board will rigorously implement Directive 035 without exception, starting from February 07, 2021. Any possible infringements of Directive 035, whether during the Super Bowl game or other situations, will be scrutinized. If necessary, such violations may lead to disciplinary action.
Please adhere to the mask requirement and respect the constraints casino operators are dealing with. This is for everyone’s safety. The capacity restrictions aren’t convenient for anyone involved. Every casino employee is abiding by the rules to ensure the best Super Bowl experience.
Those looking to watch the Super Bowl in Las Vegas may face challenges due to capacity restrictions at casinos, restaurants, and bars. However, numerous locations still offer the opportunity to enjoy and place bets on the Big Game.
Where to watch and wager
The number of Super Bowl viewing options will be fewer than usual, as many parties will not be taking place. Operating a special event with such limited capacity is challenging. Nonetheless, some casinos, restaurants, and bars will still offer viewing.
Don’t forget, regardless of the occasion, even the Super Bowl, all seats at Las Vegas restaurants require prior reservation. Always plan ahead.
Securing a seat within a sportsbook for the Super Bowl will be as challenging as it typically is. The availability of seats is limited and some may require advance booking. Even showing up early may not guarantee acquiring a general admission seat.
Seats within Circa’s sportsbook were fully booked over a week prior to the Super Bowl. Patrons may secure a spot at one of the few video poker machines with a view of the sportsbook by arriving extremely early. For those preferring an outdoor view, Stadium Swim offers 300 general admission tickets and cabanas for viewing the game.
Numerous seats in Vegas Strip sportsbooks will be reservation-only. Anticipate these limited seats to be booked before the games. Casinos not located on the Vegas Strip may offer more general admission seats free of charge on the day of the game.
It would be logical for anyone planning to visit to do some research and bring a mask, given that there will be fewer watch parties and specials.
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