Nevada extends covid-19 restrictions for casinos

Casinos will continue to operate at reduced capacity for at least another month as lawmakers extend restrictions for the second time.

US.- Nevada’s governor, Steve Sisolak, has announced that the 25 per cent capacity cap at casinos will remain in place for another 30 days.

The decision to extend the statewide restriction was taken because the number of coronavirus cases remains high in Nevada.

In a virtual press conference, Gov Sisolak said: “We must remain under the strict mitigation measures and change your behaviour immediately.

“The reality is what trends now show that the state, including Washoe and Clark counties, are still experiencing very high levels of disease burden.”

The reduced capacity limit was first announced in December and was due to expire on December 15. It was subsequently extended for another month until January 15.

While figures have not yet been released for December, gaming revenues were already seeing poor numbers in November.

Director of UNLV’s Center for Business and Economic Research, Stephen Miller, said the recovery of the market has been delayed because vaccines are taking longer than anticipated to arrive.

Speaking specifically about Nevada, Miller said: “Once recovery does begin, however, it should be robust, as many people will be looking for opportunities to get away and have some fun.”