MGM Resorts International has become the first casino operator in Nevada to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for all on-site salaried employees and new hires.
Beginning Oct. 15, this policy will take effect.
Starting from August 30, MGM Resorts will require all new employees, both hourly and salaried, who don’t work entirely from home to show proof of vaccination before they begin working. This policy change will impact its Las Vegas casinos along with other properties across the United States.
MGM Resorts protecting guests and employees
A memo initially distributed to employees and later acquired by PlayNevada contained the following explanation from MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle about why the company is proceeding in this manner:
“We are aware that the most effective protection against COVID-19 and its emerging variants, including Delta, is vaccination. We have made significant efforts to lower vaccination hurdles and offer various incentives and support to encourage maximum vaccination coverage. However, the need for further action is evident. Our guests and employees have a right to be assured that we are exhausting all our resources to ensure their safety.”
The following casinos on the Vegas Strip are operated by MGM Resorts:
- Aria
- Bellagio
- Excalibur
- Luxor
- Mandalay Bay
- The Mirage
- MGM Grand
- New York-New York
- Park MGM
It’s not much of a shocker to learn that major corporations and some local governments across the nation are mandating COVID-19 vaccines for their employees. Barrons reports that almost 25% of the 30 Dow Industrial Average companies are enforcing this requirement. MGM Resorts is now aligning itself with companies such as Walmart, Disney, and McDonald’s by insisting on vaccination for its workforce.
MGM Resorts is committed to facilitating a relatively smooth process for its employees regarding vaccination. The company plans to have on-site clinics and provide necessary information and support to any employees who may be unsure about getting vaccinated.
Anticipate more Las Vegas casino operators to follow MGM Resorts’ lead.
Vaccination not required for casino guests yet
Visitors to Las Vegas casinos are still required to wear a mask indoors, except when eating, drinking, or smoking. Despite this, they are allowed to enter the properties without having received a vaccination.
Actually, not a single casino in Las Vegas is mandating vaccination for those wishing to eat, drink, or gamble. Currently, Harrah’s New Orleans stands as the sole US casino insisting on a vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.
Watching a show within a Las Vegas casino could be a unique experience.
Live Nation venues will require proof of vaccination for guests
From October 4, all ticket-holders for events at Live Nation venues in the US must demonstrate that they have received a COVID-19 vaccination. If they haven’t been vaccinated, they must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test.
“Vaccines will be the key to returning to shows,” stated Michael Rapino, Live Nation Entertainment’s president and CEO. He added, “From October 4th, we’ll be implementing the strategy we developed for Lollapalooza, making it mandatory for artists, fans, and employees at Live Nation venues and festivals across the US where feasible.”
Today, the only Live Nation venues in Las Vegas are House of Blues at Mandalay Bay and Brooklyn Bowl at The Linq.
AEG takes a different approach
Starting from Oct. 1, concert promoter and venue manager AEG will implement a similar vaccination requirement, but only for some of its venues in Las Vegas.
Guests will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test for events at The Theater at Virgin, The Theater at Resorts World, and Las Vegas Festival Grounds (located across the street from Sahara).
Currently, AEG does not have this requirement for either the Park Theater at Park MGM or T-Mobile Arena.
If the NHL season were to commence today, Vegas Golden Knights game ticket-holders would not be required to present evidence of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. However, this policy could potentially change in the future.
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