Caesars Palace Will Debut First When the State Allows Casinos to Reopen

While casino operators in Nevada await a date to reopen, Caesars Entertainment announced that when they can reopen, Caesars Palace and one other casino on the east side of the Strip will debut first.

In an earnings call on Monday, Caesars Entertainment CEO Tony Rodio shared the company’s plans to open all nine of its Las Vegas resorts, focusing on its flagship, Caesars Palace, as well as one “value-oriented properties” on the east side of Strip, with the remainder opening quickly afterward based on demand.

The resorts also revealed a health and safety plan to comply with recommended policies and procedures from the Nevada Gaming Control Board to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“We are implementing new protocols focused on the well-being of our team members, guests and communities to create environments with high standards of sanitization and physical distancing practices,” Rodio says. “We are working closely with public health authorities, gaming regulators and infectious disease specialists to design our plan.”

Employees will wear masks, and encourage visitors to wear them as well. Some staff will even wear gloves.

Entertainment, restaurants, and bars will likely be reopened on a phased basis with limited capacity.

Check-in desks, elevator lobbies, taxi lines, employee break rooms, and cafeterias, will be clearly marked for appropriate social distancing.

Public spaces and guest rooms will be cleaned and disinfected, and employees will receive training on the new procedures and policies. Hand sanitizer will be available to visitors, and staff will be instructed to wash hands for at least 20 seconds frequently.

At all properties, seating at table game spots and slot machines will have social distancing provisions enforced.

Before staff can return to work, Caesars plans to send employees through a health screening program, and through the end of the year, staff will receive an additional 10 days of paid sick days if they or someone in their household is diagnosed with COVID-19.

Gov. Steve Sisolak closed casinos closed on March 17 to curb the spread of COVID-19. While he has permitted some businesses in Nevada, including dine-in restaurants, to reopen on May 9. So far, he hasn’t said when casinos may reopen statewide. The Nevada Gaming Control Board did issue guidelines to resorts to reopen that include maintaining 50 percent capacity, masks on staff, cleaning protocols, and social distancing throughout the casino.

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