Nevada regulators release casino reopening requirements

The Nevada Gaming Control Board on Friday released a memo outlining health and safety policies that casinos must include in their COVID-19 prevention plans. 

Gov. Steve Sisolak unveiled a plan on Thursday in which retail stores, small businesses and other "low density open spaces" could reopen in a bid to get the state's economy going again. The governor has not yet given casinos the authority to reopen, but when they do, casinos in the state will have to follow tougher rules on social distancing, and health and safety policies aimed at mitigating coronavirus risks.

A seven-page memo released by the Nevada Gaming Control Board include a seven-page document for nonrestricted licensees and a four-page notice for restricted licencees — those with 15 or fewer slot machines generally held by convenience stores, supermarkets, bars and restaurants. Both directives require licensees to provide a detailed reopening plan at least seven days before their planned opening.

The document states there should be limits on how many people are in the casino at any one time. It also says there should be no more than three players at a blackjack table, six players at a craps table and limits of four players for roulette and poker tables. 

Casino supervisors and managers have been told they should clear people who start to gather around tables and are suggested to remove chairs in front of gaming machines to make sure there is adequate social distancing. "In consultation with the office of the governor, as well as federal, state, and local health officials, the Board has created this policy to diminish personal contact and increase the level of disinfection in high-use areas, and expects full compliance with this policy by its non-restricted licensees," the document states, as reported by Newsweek.

Casinos have been shuttered since mid-March, along with restaurants and other businesses not deemed essential. Sisolak is easing restrictions but has not specified when casinos would be able to take bets again. Last week he told ABC News that it is likely not to happen until the third or fourth phase of his reopening plan.