Nevada gaming regulators approve guidelines for reopening casinos

As the wait for Nevada casinos to reopen continues, we are beginning to see more clearly what new procedures and protocols will be put in place when guests are finally welcome back from the shutdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last week the Nevada Gaming Control Board released guidelines that casinos need to follow in order to begin the reopening process.

Yesterday, the Nevada Gaming Commission unanimously approved those regulations.

I encourage Nevadans to stay vigilant and protect themselves against this virus as we enter Phase 1. We must stay safe so we can stay open. #StaySafeStayOpen pic.twitter.com/T26UueAVCV
— Governor Sisolak (@GovSisolak) May 7, 2020

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak officially extended his stay at home order until 15 May last week, stating that casinos won’t be involved in Phase 1 of the reopening. However, with these health and safety rules approved by the Commission, casinos can get working on a process to begin reopening.

Nevada casinos have been closed since 18 March.

Some of the new guidelines that casinos will have to abide by include limited capacity to no more than 50%. The space in between slot machines will be increased and there will be a limited number of players at each table game. Blackjack can only have three players, six for a craps table and four are allowed at roulette and poker. Objects that will be often touched by players, such as dice, chairs and cards, will be disinfected regularly by the casinos. One part of the resorts that will not be opening with these guidelines are nightclubs. However, salons and restaurants were given the approval from Governor Sisolak to reopen on Saturday as long as they follow guidelines, including limited capacity. This marked the beginning of Phase 1 in Nevada.

Face masks are obviously a big topic surrounding COVID-19. Casinos have the decision to make masks required or not but will be making them available to guests and employees.

Several resorts and casinos have already taken matters into their own hands and compiled protocols for potential reopenings, including The Venetian Las Vegas and Wynn Las Vegas.

What will the "new normal" look like @VenetianVegas in #LasVegas upon a potential June 1 reopening?

Masked gondola pilots, temperature checks, 4 people per elevator ride & 3-player max table games are just a few of the more than 800 new protocols:https://t.co/9F73XEW5FQ pic.twitter.com/LzpWqKpXUe
— Gary Trask (@casinocityGT) April 28, 2020