Las Vegas casinos given tentative date for reopening

The iconic Las Vegas that we all know and love has been vacant of its typical shine and pizazz for nearly three months, as the flashing lights and noisy machines and epic crowds of people that make the city magical were suspended due to COVID-19.

As the state of Nevada continues to see a decrease in new known coronavirus cases and hospitalizations, Governor Steve Sisolak has set a tentative date for casinos across the state to reopen: June 4.

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“Pending the evaluation of trends in Nevada’s COVID-19 data, along with the results of the Gaming Control Board meeting on Tuesday, the Governor has set a target date of June 4, 2020, for reopening Nevada’s gaming industry,” the Government of Nevada said in a press release.

Additionally, the Gaming Control Board will meet Tuesday & will consider any action necessary with regard to reopening. Pending the evaluation of trends in our data and results of this meeting, I have set a target date of June 4, 2020, for reopening Nevada’s gaming industry.

— Governor Sisolak (@GovSisolak) May 22, 2020

However, should this be the case, the reopenings will come with a strict and comprehensive set of rules.

“To assist licensees with reopening after the mandated COVID-19 temporary closures, the
Board has compiled a list of procedures that should, at a minimum, be considered and
addressed,” the Nevada Gaming Control Board wrote in a policy memorandum to licensees at the end of April.

Gaming properties are required to submit their plans for reopening to the board seven days before they plan to open.

Such plans must consist of a schedule for the replenishment of funds, including cash and chips and tokens for all areas of the casino, such as booths, kiosks, and table games trays.

As well, venues under the board’s authority will only be permitted to reopen if they comply with any and all directions and guidance from local, state, and federal health officials.

“Without a thoughtful and measured reopening of Nevada’s gaming industry, all of the work that Nevadans have done to fight the spread of this viral pandemic will have been for naught,” the release continues. “The Gaming Control Board remains resolute in ensuring that gaming operations in this State do not compromise the health and safety of Nevadans.”

In association with the Office of the Governor, as well as federal, state, and local health authorities, the policies of the Gaming Control Board plan to decrease the amount of personal contact and increase the level of disinfection in highly frequented and used areas.

“The Board expects full compliance with these Policies by each licensee,” the release explains.

Note: As border closures and travel restrictions begin to lift, health authorities are reminding individuals to monitor themselves for any signs of COVID-19. If you are feeling unwell, it is recommended you stay at home. If you do decide to travel, follow the health and safety precautions and protocols outlined by the departure and arrival locations you will be travelling to/from.