Face coverings are no longer optional in Nevada casinos after Nevada Gaming Control Board released updated health and safety protocols Wednesday evening.
The 8-page document outlined a few new procedures for operators to abide by, but the most notable takeaway was the forced use of masks or face coverings for gamblers. Before the update, masks were optional for players, but mandatory for staff.
Starting Thursday, casinos must have masks available for all guests and masks must be worn by players in any game that does not have a shield separating the dealer from the player. Regulators are also mandating that casinos have proper signage notifying guests of the changes.
Gov. Steve Sisolak ordered Nevada to shut down its gambling market in mid-March in response to the outbreak of coronavirus in the state. He allowed casinos to reopen two weeks ago on June 4.
A video tweeted by Los Angeles Times sports columnist Arash Markazi during the first weekend of Las Vegas’ reopening went viral after it showed massive crowds, a lack of social distancing and very few masks. Before the unveiling of the new protocols, there were rumors on social media that Sisolak saw the video and was unhappy with it.
Las Vegas is officially back. pic.twitter.com/EI3nXs2e5w
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) June 6, 2020
In an interview with CDC Gaming, NGCB Chairwoman Sandra Douglass Morgan confirmed that regulators were not happy with the level of safety implemented by Silver State casinos.
“Social distancing was not where we wanted it to be,” said Morgan. “We still want the casinos to strong encourage patrons to wear masks.”
There were no changes made to protocols regarding slot machines. Guests are not required to wear masks while playing machines.
Many casinos on the Las Vegas Strip are still closed as MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment both have opted to open properties in a gradual manner. The two gaming giants only opened Bellagio, MGM Grand, New York-New York, Caesars Palace, Flamingo and Harrah’s during the first two days of reopening. Last week, the companies gave a timeline for the reopening of four more properties.
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