Vegas gamblers now have to wear masks at table games

Jun 22 2020, 11:02 pm

Gamblers in Nevada casinos, including those in Las Vegas, will be required to wear facial coverings for table games that do not include barriers.

The update was announced in a notice to licensees on Wednesday, June 17, in an amendment to the “Health and Safety Policies for the Resumption of Gaming Operations” from the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

Now, those gambling, working, and partaking in select table games will be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

“Licensees must require patrons to wear face coverings at table and card games if there is no barrier, partition, or shield between the dealer and each player,” the notice explains. “This requirement applies to table and card game players, spectators, and any other person within 6 feet of any table or card game.”

Las Vegas casinos initially reopened on June 4 with the permission of Nevada Governor, Steve Sisolak, and the Gaming Control Board. However, concerns quickly began to grow as these venues opening their doors led to substantial crowds of people who were not practicing proper physical distancing measures or wearing face masks.

Nevada then reported an “above-average daily increase” in confirmed known cases of coronavirus on June 9, which prompted authorities to remind the public of the importance of the various preventative measures put in place to hinder transmission.

“When we began reopening Nevada and substantially increasing testing, we anticipated we would see an increase in new cases diagnosed,” state epidemiologist Melissa Peek-Bullock said in a statement. “Nevada has flattened the curve, but the virus is still among us.”

The notice also describes how casinos must submit plans for reopening that include making face masks and facial coverings readily available for guests should they request one.

“Upon entering the gaming establishment, licensees must offer all patrons and guests a face covering or have dedicated signage throughout the establishment, notifying patrons that face coverings [are] available,” it describes. “Licensees must ensure that face coverings are provided upon request.”

Establishments could face hefty consequences for not complying with these measures, including having their services limited or suspended or even getting their license revoked or receiving a monetary fine for violating the Gaming Control Act.

“Failure of a gaming licensee to comply with any such requirements shall be considered injurious to the public health, safety, morals, good order and general welfare of the inhabitants of the State, and constitute a failure to comply with this Directive,” The outline for the Nevada “Declaration of Emergency Directive – Phase Two Reopening Plan” states.

Emily RumballEmily Rumball

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