Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak proclaimed on Tuesday night that casinos across the Silver State are set to reopen on June 4. The second phase of the Nevada United: Roadmap to Recovery plan is commencing on Friday, May 29.
This Friday, businesses such as gyms, spas, and bars will be permitted to reopen. Moreover, casinos in Nevada are set to open their doors next week. This move comes over two months after the state ordered the closure of casinos and non-essential businesses.
On Tuesday, the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) held an online public workshop discussing updates from health experts regarding the reopening of casinos. The workshop covered a range of topics related to reopening, including COVID-19 testing for frontline employees, temperature checks for guests entering the casinos, providing accommodations for guests requiring quarantine, among others.
A significant part of the workshop was dedicated to reviewing existing health and safety policies. The NGCB plans to persist in updating casino policies as the reopening date approaches. Although it’s not mandatory for casino operators to disclose their plans, many have already done so.
Las Vegas casino openings
Casinos in Nevada have begun accepting reservations from June 4th. That said, not all of them will be immediately operational. Earlier in the month, plans to reopen in stages were divulged by some of the major Las Vegas casino corporations that own multiple properties.
Caesars Entertainment
Now open: Caesars Palace, Flamingo, Harrah’s (from June 5), The Linq Promenade. Currently closed: Planet Hollywood, Paris Las Vegas, Bally’s, The Cromwell, The Linq, Harrah’s, Rio. Upcoming opening: The Linq.
MGM Resorts
Immediately Open: Bellagio, New York-New York, MGM Grand<br>Remaining Closed: Mandalay Bay, Luxor, Excalibur, Park MGM, Aria, MGM Grand, The Mirage
Station Casinos
Red Rock, Green Valley Ranch, Palace Station, Santa Fe Station, Boulder Station, and Sunset Station are opening immediately. However, Palms, Texas Station, Fiesta Henderson, and Fiesta Rancho are currently closed.
Boyd Gaming
The following establishments are opening immediately: The Orleans, Gold Coast, Suncoast, Aliante, Cannery, Sam’s Town, Fremont, California, Jokers Wild. However, Eastside Cannery and Main Street Station remain closed.
Casinos operated individually will be permitted to reopen starting June 4. Some casinos, including Wynn and Red Rock, are commencing the reopening process by first opening their restaurants before the rest of the property.
Casino health and safety plans
For the past month, Nevada casino firms have been formulating new health and safety protocols. Every establishment will possess a unique plan that adheres to the health and safety guidelines for reopening, as stipulated by the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
The health and safety plans encompass everything from restrictions on capacity upon reopening, to sanitation protocols and physical distancing measures. Two significant modifications will be evident when casinos reopen.
- The casino along with all other venues will only be operating at 50% capacity. Bars, restaurants, and pool areas will arrange seating to ensure a six feet distance is maintained.
- Guests will only be allowed to play at every other seat for video poker, slots, and other machine games. As for table games, they will allow a maximum of the following number of players:
- Three players per table in Blackjack
- Craps: Table accommodates six players
- Table for Roulette: Four players
- Table Poker: Four players per table
Casinos will employ various strategies in an attempt to maintain a sanitary and healthy gambling ambiance. More frequent cleaning of chips, cards, machines, tables, seats, and so forth will be implemented. Here’s an overview of the different health and safety protocols in casinos.
- Boyd Clean
- Caesars Entertainment
- Golden Entertainment (The Strat)
- Hard Rock Lake Tahoe
- MGM Resorts
- Sahara Cares
- Station Casinos
- Treasure Island
- Venetian Clean
- Plan for Health & Disinfection by Wynn
Every company tailors a plan specifically for its guests. These serve as excellent references for individuals who either have a hotel reservation already or are simply planning to visit one of these casinos.
What to expect when visiting casinos
The experience of visiting a Nevada casino will vary based on the location and timing of your visit. Those seeking a conventional vacation may wish to postpone their plans, as more facilities within the casinos will be accessible and a greater number of visitors would be permitted at a later time.
When casinos on the Vegas Strip initially reopen, they are likely to be markedly more sedate than usual. The reduction in tourists travelling to Las Vegas and the lower capacity constraints are set to create an ambiance that mirrors 6 a.m. rather than the typical lively atmosphere. However, this should gradually shift as the capacity increases and tourists start flocking back to the casinos.
Casinos across Nevada, frequented by locals, may witness an influx of patrons, eager to escape the confines of their homes. Initially, these casinos might replicate the vibrant atmosphere typically associated with the Vegas Strip. Similarly, local and regional casinos outside Nevada have also observed large turnouts upon reopening, with queues forming for entry. The available seating for table games and machines have been filled to the capacity permitted by state regulations.
Before setting foot in a casino, anticipate complimentary parking. Caesars Entertainment, the Cosmopolitan, and MGM Resorts will all commence operations without charging parking fees.
