In Las Vegas, events unfold rapidly. The majority of casinos on the Vegas Strip are functioning at full capacity and have done away with plexiglass. Vaccinated guests at these casinos are permitted to enjoy their visit without the need for a mask.
Almost a year ago, Las Vegas casinos were shut down for nearly two months to aid in curbing the spread of coronavirus. They resumed operations with reduced capacity on June 4, 2020.
As people began receiving COVID-19 vaccinations and cases and deaths began to decline, much of the country started to reopen this year. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recently updated their face mask recommendation for those who are fully vaccinated.
Revise the information to reflect that people who are fully vaccinated no longer need to wear masks or socially distance in any setting, unless mandated by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations. This also applies to guidelines set by local businesses and workplaces.
Las Vegas, like the rest of the country, swiftly adhered to the CDC recommendations. The new mask suggestion came after tightening restrictions on casino capacity.
Vegas Strip casino capacity increases
Earlier this month, several casinos were granted permission to operate their casino floors at 80% capacity. On May 5, the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) issued a notice to all state casinos outlining how they can firstly return to 80% capacity, and subsequently achieve 100% occupancy on their casino floors.
Casinos on the Vegas Strip, situated in Clark County, have unique local COVID-19 mitigation strategies compared to most other counties in Nevada. Although the majority of the state was permitted to transition to 100% capacity immediately, the Vegas Strip casinos followed a different plan from the rest of Clark County:
“Occupancy limit is set at 80% but can be increased to 100% when 60% of the eligible population gets their first vaccine dose. Social distancing measures require a 3 feet distance, which can be lifted when 60% of the eligible population has received their first vaccine dose.”
As well, casinos on the Vegas Strip were permitted to expand their capacity once 80% of their employees were vaccinated. The rush to reach 100% was swift. The Cosmopolitan even proposed to give out up to $1 million in bonuses, provided that 80% of its staff got their vaccines.
The Cosmopolitan became one of the first casinos on the Vegas Strip to operate at full capacity on the casino floor, thanks to an incentive. Additionally, all plexiglass was removed from its table games.
Shortly after Wynn and Encore, it took only a few more days for all properties of Caesars and MGM Resorts to permit full capacity without plexiglass dividers at tables and slot machines.
Vegas Strip casinos allowing 100% capacity
Currently, most casinos on the Vegas Strip are operating at maximum capacity.
- Aria
- Bally’s
- Bellagio
- Caesars Palace
- Cosmopolitan
- The Cromwell
- Excalibur
- Flamingo
- Harrah’s
- The Linq
- Luxor
- Mandalay Bay
- MGM Grand
- The Mirage
- New York-New York
- Paris Las Vegas
- Park MGM
- Planet Hollywood
- The Strat
- The Palazzo and The Venetian
- Wynn (and Encore)
Boyd Gaming and Station Casinos properties away from the Vegas Strip are functioning at full capacity. Similarly, the Circa, The D, and Golden Gate casinos located in downtown Las Vegas are also operating at 100%.
Fully vaccinate guests can drop the masks in casinos
A few casinos on the Vegas Strip are yet to operate at full capacity. However, the rule requiring guests to wear a mask varies. All of them permit fully vaccinated guests to roam their property without a face covering if they wish.
The NGCB updated its COVID-19 health and safety guidelines late last week to align with the new CDC recommendation. According to the updated directive, fully vaccinated guests are no longer required to wear masks in indoor or outdoor gaming areas.
A recent memo from the NGCB states that casinos do not need to inquire about guests’ vaccination status.
The Board’s representatives won’t try to verify the immunization status of customers. Therefore, unless there are changes in the situation, it’s not feasible for the Board to try to implement a mask requirement linked to a person’s vaccination status.
Casinos on the Vegas Strip, like many businesses, are currently relying on the honor system for face mask usage. Currently, it seems that casinos are unlikely to request evidence of vaccination from mask-less guests. However, patrons who have not been vaccinated are still advised to wear a mask.
Casinos on the Vegas Strip, if chosen, may have mask policies that are stricter than the CDC guidelines. In an attempt to boost business, casinos are taking every possible measure. Consequently, vaccinated guests may have the option to forego their masks.
Guests who have been vaccinated at Las Vegas casinos can still choose to wear a mask if they are concerned about being around others who are not wearing one. Masks in casinos can also serve other purposes.
Based on anecdotal evidence, the number of people smoking in casinos has significantly increased. Those accustomed to gambling in a smoke-free environment over the past year can wear a mask to mitigate the smell. For those who prefer a completely smoke-free experience and wish to remove their masks without being engulfed by smoke, Park MGM is still a viable option.
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