
The 2020 Saint Patrick’s Day will be etched in memory as the night when every casino in Nevada ceased operations. Nevada’s Governor, Steve Sisolak, decreed the closure of all non-essential businesses within the state on Tuesday for a period of 30 days. This measure was aimed at curbing the proliferation of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus.
Sisolak began his press conference by saying:
“Following consultation with Nevada’s leading medical experts regarding our present circumstances and the most prudent subsequent actions, this is the advice they provided,” stated Gov. Sisolak. “They recommended that the most efficient strategy would be to instruct all Nevadans to remain at home and all nonessential businesses to shut down to the public for the next 30 days.”
Casinos And Non-Essential Businesses Must Close
Sisolak commanded a 30-day closure of nonessential enterprises, encompassing casinos and the majority of retail stores. As the clock struck midnight, all table games ceased and gaming machines within Nevada were switched off. This directive was issued subsequent to various Las Vegas casinos opting for voluntary shutdowns earlier in the week.
Gamblers need not lose hope. A representative from Nevada Gaming Control has confirmed to David Purdum from ESPN that mobile gaming will continue to function despite the temporary closure of casinos. However, some sportsbook operators in Nevada have chosen to shut down despite this provision. As of this morning, the Circa Sports and William Hill apps continue to accept bets. Moreover, WSOP.com will stay open for poker enthusiasts in Nevada.
Many states across the country, including California, Connecticut, Florida, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Washington, have ordered similar closures to Nevada’s drastic shutdown of businesses in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Besides casinos, these non-essential businesses are also required to shut down for 30 days:
- Restaurants may need to close their dining rooms, but they can still provide takeout, drive-thru, and/or delivery services.
- Bars, Pubs, Taverns, Wineries
- Coffee shops
- Gyms
- Movie theaters
- Malls
These businesses, unlike casinos, have until noon on Wednesday to close.
Essential Businesses Remain Open
Despite the closure of most businesses encouraging social interaction, there are still those that are essential for the survival of Nevada residents. The subsequent necessary businesses will continue operations during the 30-day shutdown in Nevada:
- Supermarkets
- Gas stations
- Pharmacies
- Drug and convenience stores
- Police
- Hospitals
- Fire
- Banks
- Post offices
- Airports
Unprecedented Casino Closures
The coronavirus outbreak is a unique event that this country has not experienced in recent years. During his press conference, the Governor was explicit about the gravity of the current situation. “As the governor of Nevada, my duty is to safeguard the health and wellness of every state resident,” stated Sisolak. “This situation is grave. If anyone fails to comprehend the severity of this, they should tune into the news and watch for a while.”
It’s rare for casinos in Nevada to shut down. The most recent closure of Las Vegas casinos was a one-day occasion for John F. Kennedy’s funeral on November 25, 1963. Even in the aftermath of 9/11, the casinos in Nevada remained open. Although people initially refrained from traveling to Las Vegas, the casinos continued to operate.
Several casino companies, including MGM Resorts and Wynn Resorts, voluntarily shut down their operations in Las Vegas prior to Governor Sisolak’s directive to close all non-essential businesses. Other casinos such as the Cosmopolitan and The Venetian also announced their intent to close before the Governor’s announcement.
The shutdown will permanently alter Nevada. Changes may also be on the horizon for Las Vegas casinos. Eldorado Resorts has been pursuing the acquisition of Caesars Entertainment for nearly a year. A key aspect of this merger is cost reduction. The temporary closure of all Caesars casinos nationwide could provide an opportunity for the company to introduce new procedures.
Caesars is in the process of automating the Caesars Rewards experience in its casinos. Vital Vegas reports that the company might increase the use of self check-in kiosks when the casinos reopen.
Caesars’ cost-saving measures will lead to financial savings over time by reducing the number of employed casino staff. Last year, MGM Resorts initiated a comparable automation strategy as part of the MGM 2020 initiative. Post-pandemic, all Nevada casino operators will have a minimum of 30 days to devise plans to attract back their customers.