Measures for maintaining social distancing
The Gaming Control Board (GCB) in Nevada has issued new health and safety policy guidelines detailing how casinos should plan to reopen and maintain social distancing amid the ongoing pandemic.
The two notices include a seven-page list for non-restricted license holders and a shorter four-page version for gambling providers with restricted licenses. Among the latter are convenience stores, supermarkets, bars, and restaurants with 15 or fewer slot machines.
Casinos have been closed since March 17, when Governor Steve Sisolak ordered their shutdown following the outbreak of COVID-19. While some businesses will be able to open as soon as May 15 when the stay-at-home order is lifted, casinos will have to wait.
submit a reopening plan a minimum of seven days before
Each gambling license holder is expected to submit a reopening plan a minimum of seven days before they intend to resume operation.
Capacity reduction to be outlined in prevention plan
The GCB has now added to its previous guidance, asking casinos to create and implement a COVID-19 prevention plan. The plan will now be part of the process for any casino to reopen once gambling businesses are given the go-ahead to do so by the Governor of Nevada.
gambling outlets will be limited to 50% capacity
The board has confirmed that gambling outlets will be limited to 50% capacity according to local building and fire codes. Casinos must also prove that hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes are readily available to both staff and customers. The occupancy rules will also affect restricted licensees.
There may also have to be changes to floor plans in order to stick to the six-meter social distancing guidelines between customers.
Table games will also see restrictions
To ensure social distancing, table games including blackjack, craps, roulette, and poker will also have limited capacity once casino action resumes. The regular cleaning of rails, chairs, dice, and roulette wheels will need to be factored into the reopening plan. An operator must also address how the disinfection of casino chips will be carried out.
Some casinos are hoping to open in time for Memorial Day, which falls on May 25. However, as no official confirmation has been issued to date, most gambling facilities are getting ready for a June reopening.