As some brick and mortar casinos open around the United States during the coronavirus pandemic, Las Vegas eyes June 4th, 2020 as a possible re-opening date. If the testing and infection rate data continues downward trends through Memorial Day weekend, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak is expected to announce additional reopening plans on Tuesday, May 27th. On May 20th, 7.7% of the 3,657 tests conducted statewide returned a positive result which continues the downward trend. At its peak, the Nevada infection rate was 12%, reports the Las Vegas Sun.
Las Vegas resorts must submit reopening safety plans to the Nevada Gaming Control board for approval at least one week before they reopen. Much like the first phase of Nevada's reopening earlier in May, crowds and capacity will be capped and reduced. Restaurants are currently operating at 50%.
Companies in the resort corridor and on the famous Las Vegas strip will start by only opening a handful of properties. Caesars Entertainment has announced they will start with Caesars Palace and Flamingo; MGM Resorts International will start by opening the Bellagio and New York-New York.
Hard Rock Casino Tampa, Florida re-opened on Thursday, May 21st, 2020 with new covid19 safety restrictions including temperature checks, mask requirements for guests and staff, increased cleaning, reduced gaming capacity, and glass dividers at gaming tables. There was a high demand for poker seats in Tampa with 18 tables open for play on Thursday and over 100 degens waiting for a poker seat, according to reports on twitter and the picture below. Wary gamblers and Las Vegas casinos will surely eye Hard Rock Tampa's re-opening for signs of trouble, increased infections, and success.
May 21st, 2020 - Poker room at Hard Rock Tampa Re-Opens with covid-19 safety precautions and a long wait list.
