Nevada Casinos Remain Closed While Reopening Plan is Discussed

Casinos in Nevada will remain closed. The plan for the reopening of businesses yet to be announced.

STAY AT HOME ORDER
 

A stay-at-home order was issued on March 17, which closed all non-essential businesses, including casinos. On April 1, the order was further extended until the end of the month. Las Vegas has suffered the most, as over 300,000 people filed for unemployment benefits due to the closure of non-essential businesses. The order issued by Governor Sisolak is in harmony with the recommendations by the White House and so far it has helped the state of Nevada with reducing the spread of the virus.

PHASED REOPENING OF NEVADA
 

Governor Sisolak commented on the current situation: “So the emergency is not over yet, but it has entered a new phase“. Although the Coronavirus cases are gradually decreasing in Nevada, Sisolak is waiting for a steady downward spiral of hospitalizations as well. Results will need to be steady for at least 14 days, in order for Nevada to start the plan for reopening businesses with phase one.

Phase one of the plan includes reopening of sporting events, movie theaters, churches and restaurants. These businesses will be able to operate as long as they maintain strict social distancing measures for their visitors.

CASINOS NOT INCLUDED IN PHASE ONE
 

The phase one of the reopening plan does not include Nevada’s casinos. According to Sisolak, the Gaming Control Board will have the final decision on whether the casinos are going to be opened or not. Although this matter is still being discussed, casino operator Wynn Resorts is urging Governor Sisolak to gradually restart gambling businesses by mid to late May.

Wynn Resorts even took a step further and announced that they are in the process of implementing their own safety policies upon resuming business. The strategy includes checking the temperature of visitors at big gatherings, both visitors and employees wearing masks, as well as reducing the occupancy for elevators and contact surfaces such as doors, by leaving them open or implementing an automatic mechanism.