Reopening plan among requirements

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has released a large document, outlining steps casinos must take before reopening. The list of steps has been published to assist license holders in reopening their facilities once emergency closures are lifted. A date has yet to be announced for when casinos can reopen. However, operators can now begin their preparations.

must submit a reopening plan to regulators at least seven days before any reopening takes place

The list of procedures provided by the NGCB should be considered and addressed, at minimum, by operators. Licensed gaming operators in the state must submit a reopening plan to regulators at least seven days before any reopening takes place, or as soon as reasonably possible thereafter.

Casinos must provide several details

Casinos have been instructed to identify the gaming, entertainment, and other areas that will be reopened before opening their doors to the public. These facilities must also list which areas will remain closed. If a resort plans to reopen based on a phased approach, it must list all reopening dates and times for each area.

In the document, the NGCB noted that payout receipts or betting vouchers may have expired during the closure time period. In this case, license holders should pay players or extend the expiration date to accommodate the period of closure.

Gaming registration procedures

The NGCB also covered expired gaming employee registrations in its recommendations. If an employees gaming registration has expired while the facility was closed, they will be allowed to work up to 30 days while the registration is being renewed.

For terminated, laid off, or furloughed employees in the system, they can return to work at reopening. The NGCB will be offering a one-time option for reinstatement of the employees within their system. Operators are to report any affected employees to the Enforcement Division.

Governor announces phased reopening

The casino reopening procedures provided by the NGCB come at a time when Governor Steve Sisolak announced that the state will reopen in phases. During a press conference, the governor stated that Nevada must see a decline in COVID-19 cases and meet federal guidelines before businesses can begin reopening in phases.

While Governor Sisolak is taking a slow and methodical approach, the Las Vegas Mayor and casino operators like Wynn Resorts want to reopen gaming venues as quickly as possible. Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddox suggested a conditional reopening of casinos with temperature checks, physical distancing, and other health measures in place.