Las Vegas Sands closes its casinos

The Venetian and Palazzo have now joined Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts in closing until at least 1 April.

US.- Las Vegas Sands has performed a U-turn on its decision to keep casino doors open, announcing plans to pulling down the shutters on its Las Vegas properties for the next few weeks.

The Venetian and Palazzo have joined Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts in shutting down operations until at least 1 April.

“These are clearly challenging times for our country and our community,” LVS President and COO, Rob Goldstein, said.

“We are in the hospitality and entertainment business and our team members work very hard to provide a great experience for the thousands of people who come through our doors daily. However, our most important commitment is the one we have made to the health and safety of our team members and guests,” he added.

Las Vegas Sands has said it is not certain that it will reopen on 1 April, but will continue to pay staff salaries for the duration of the closure period.

“Right now, the best way to fulfil that commitment is by asking people to not come to work. While we hope this closure is a short-term necessity, we are realistic it may be a prolonged event. Our team members and their families will rightly be concerned about their health and safety, but we do not want them worried about their jobs, income or health care,” Goldstein explained.

Yesterday, the company said that it was taking preventative measures, canceling meetings and shows and frequently wiping down slot machines in order to keep employees and guests safe but at the time said it had no plans to close.