Nevada casinos face new pandemic restrictions

Already reduced capacity limits have slashed by half for at least three weeks.

US.- Nevada governor Steve Sisolak will allow casinos to remain open but under tighter restrictions due to the increase in Covid-19 cases in the state.

From tomorrow (Tuesday), the capacity limit for casinos and other establishments will be slashed by half, with venues allowed to operate at only 25 per cent capacity.

A mask mandate has also been issued, meaning citizens have to wear masks both indoors and outdoors when around others who are not part of their immediate household.

Previously, the state has fined gaming properties for not complying with the restrictions in place. Earlier this month the Aria Hotel Casino received a $12,617 fine for “lack of social distancing at point-of-sale terminals used by employees.”

The new restrictions will be in operation for at least three weeks in a bid to fight the recent surge of coronavirus cases in the state, from 1,019 on Nov. 5 to 1,854 on Friday.

The Las Vegas casino industry has been slow to see a recovery after the initial pandemic lockdown given its dependence on tourism and large conferences. The downturn has led to layoffs at several casino companies.

Some properties, such as Encore Las Vegas, have reduced their hours mid-week in response to weaker demand.