Caesars Entertainment has revealed that it will resume gaming and hospitality operations in Las Vegas at its Caesars Palace and Flamingo properties once state officials give operators the green light.
All of Caesars’ nine Las Vegas properties have been closed since 17 March, as a result of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
Both Caesars Palace and the Flamingo will offer lodging, dining options and access to outdoor pools, as well as slot machines and table games, all operated in compliance with physical distancing guidelines. Several retail and dining outlets along its Linq promenade, and its High Roller Observation Wheel, will also reopen in phase one.
Phase two will then see Harrah’s Las Vegas and the gaming floor at the Linq Hotel & Casino follow, with the timings of these reopenings to be dictated by customer demand.
“Reopening Las Vegas in a phased approach will be a significant milestone for Caesars Entertainment as the country continues to emerge from this necessary closure period,” Caesars chief executive Tony Rodio said.
“We are excited to welcome guests and our employees back to our properties,” he continued. “We are grateful for the efforts of those on the front lines addressing this public health emergency. We are hopeful that the country’s continued progress in addressing Covid-19 and business conditions will allow us to reopen more of our properties and bring back more of our colleagues as it is appropriate to do so.”
However, some offerings, such as live entertainment, bars, spas, buffets and valet parking, will not immediately resume when the casinos open their doors. When they do so, Caesars said, they will be operated in compliance with social distancing guidelines.
All other properties and dining amenities will be reopened based on customer demand.
Caesars’ enhanced health and safety protocols will be in place, which include frequent cleaning and sanitization. Staff will also undergo a health screening programme, to determine which employees must be tested for Covid-19 before they can return to work, with temperature checks done before very shift.
Staff will also be required to wear masks, while these will also be made available to patrons, who will be strongly encouraged to wear them, the operator said.
Earlier this month, the Nevada Gaming Control Board announced that casinos would be limited to 50% occupancy upon reopening. Player limits will be imposed for table games, limiting blackjack to three players at each table; six for craps; four four roulette and four for poker.
Casino operators in the state have also partnered the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada (UMC), the Culinary Health Fund and the Las Vegas Convention Center to test all gaming employees for Covid-19 before they return to work. Caesars is part of this scheme, alongside MGM Resorts and Boyd Gaming.