At a Sunday evening press conference, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak announced the extension of the existing “pause” aimed at slowing down the spread of the coronavirus. This pause, which has been effective for three weeks, will remain in place until at least January 15.
The “pause” extension implies that Nevada casinos will stay open for the remainder of the year and into 2021. Like many other businesses, Nevada casinos are under equivalent restrictions. Inside casinos, restaurants, and bars, the capacity will be maintained at 25%. Wearing a mask inside a casino remains mandatory for everyone.
Shows and other public gatherings will be permitted to operate with either 50 people or 25% capacity, whichever number is smaller.
Don’t expect to see Nevada casinos close again in 2020
Earlier this year, casinos in Nevada were mandated to shut down to contribute to the containment of the coronavirus. However, unless a severe situation arises, it’s unlikely that the casinos will again be closed. Judging from Sisolak’s remarks, it seems that casinos in Las Vegas and across Nevada are not anticipated to shut down again in the near future.
Sisolak first commented on the financial hit Nevada suffers when casinos are shut down:
“It is estimated that the State misses out on around $52 million in gaming tax revenue monthly. This figure does not incorporate other taxes such as room tax, live entertainment tax, among others.”
He persisted in discussing the financial impact that the closure of casinos is having on casino employees:
I’m kept awake at night pondering over the loss of a quarter million jobs in this state within a three-month period during the spring’s stay-at-home order. This was largely due to the 78-day shutdown of casinos. I can’t help but think about our blackjack dealers, cooks, valet drivers, housekeepers, and performers who constitute our remarkable hospitality industry. This industry represents one of the largest workforce sectors in the state.
Preserving the pause ensures that the state will garner some tax revenue from casinos for activities such as gaming, dining, lodging, and entertainment.
This will also maintain employment for a fraction of the workforce. In the initial stages of the pandemic, Nevada’s unemployment rate soared to 30.1%. The roughly 250,000 individuals unemployed set a record as the highest level ever reported in any state in contemporary history.
Balancing health and economy
The coronavirus pandemic is testing everyone’s resilience. Managing this pandemic is a challenge for everyone, from the residents of Nevada to businesses and government. Sisolak is striving to maintain the health of Nevada citizens while also sustaining the economy.
The hospitality industry is the leading business in Nevada, and its continuous operation is crucial for the financial wellbeing of both employees and the state. However, with COVID-19 cases on the rise in Nevada, there is a growing concern for the safety of the public. Governor Sisolak remains optimistic that the current restrictions imposed on all businesses will help curb the pandemic. According to Sisolak:
“This statewide “Pause” enforced extraordinarily stringent mitigation methods with the dual aim of safeguarding lives and our vulnerable economy.”
Sisolak must consider a challenging balance between health and economy as he navigates Nevada’s progress in the battle against coronavirus.
Enjoy Vegas lite
The casino experience in Las Vegas continues to differ from previous years. That being said, the decreased visitation in December harks back to the time in Las Vegas before the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) gained its two-week popularity.
Casino floors, bars, and restaurants are limited to 25% capacity. Interestingly, Las Vegas casinos previously operated at this capacity in the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas. In recent years, large events such as the NFR and related activities have boosted visitor numbers during this time frame.
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the largest convention of the year in Las Vegas that attracts nearly 200,000 visitors, should not alter the course of January.
Some of the best times in Las Vegas can be during quieter periods. It should be easy to find a spot at a table game or slot machine. Similarly, making reservations at restaurants and spas shouldn’t pose any issues.
Las Vegas is certainly lacking in entertainment. With limited audience capacity, only a few shows are open and some will have to close.
Clubs have reopened, but they have implemented social distancing measures for safety. Patrons should not anticipate being able to dance the entire night.
This is an unusual period in our world that affects many individuals. Yet, this hiatus provides an excellent opportunity to discover areas of Las Vegas that are typically inaccessible.
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