The Nevada Gaming Control Board has reportedly announced that casino operators in the western state are to be required to submit detailed re-opening plans for any facility they hope to revive following the end of the coronavirus pandemic.

According to a report from CDC Gaming Reports, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak temporarily closed all casinos in ‘The Silver State’ on March 18 so as to help stop the spread of a coronavirus strain that has so far killed over 160 local residents. The 66-year-old Democrat later extended this shuttering until the end of the month but purportedly detailed that he may begin to allow some properties to re-open if statewide infections and hospitalizations start to steadily decline.

Prescribed preparation:

Sandra Douglass Morgan, Chairperson for the Nevada Gaming Control Board, reportedly used a Wednesday filing to declare that all casinos wishing to re-open following the coronavirus scare are to be asked to hand over comprehensive plans at least seven days before welcoming any guests ‘or as soon as reasonably possible thereafter’. She purportedly moreover proclaimed that the process to get the state’s gambling venues back up and running is not intended to be overly exhaustive but will see operators required to address 18 different areas including the ‘replenishment of funds including cash, chips and tokens in all areas of casino accountability.’

Reportedly read a statement from Morgan…

“As a statewide regulatory and law enforcement agency, the Board remains steadfast in ensuring compliance with the statewide emergency directives within the Board’s jurisdiction.”

Available aid:

Nevada is currently home to 441 temporarily closed casinos and Morgan reportedly also stated that such venues will only be allowed to re-open if they had followed ‘guidance and best practices issued by health authorities for mitigating the spread’ of coronavirus. She purportedly furthermore explained that the regulator would be available to assist operators in complying with such conditions but that the temporary closure order is to remain in place until being withdrawn by Governor Sisolak.

Morgan’s statement reportedly read…

“A safe, thoughtful and efficient resumption of gaming operations in this state will help both Nevada and its residents recover from this pandemic.”

Wynn prophecy:

CDC Gaming Reports cited a Sunday story in The Nevada Independent newspaper as revealing that the boss for Las Vegas Strip stalwart Wynn Resorts Limited envisages American casinos re-opening with temperature checks, social distancing, reduced occupancies and masks as standard. Matt Maddox (pictured) purportedly additionally used the commentary piece to assert that the plan for his firm’s venues in Nevada and Massachusetts is set to utilize ‘the best available science on sanitization methods in consultation with professional infectious disease experts from the best academic institutions in the country.’

MGM reserve:

For his part and the new Chief Executive Officer for Las Vegas-headquartered MGM Resorts International, Bill Hornbuckle, reportedly used an online video to pronounce that his company intends to operate ‘differently’ following the end of the coronavirus pandemic and would be enhancing its cleaning procedures and reconfiguring its casino and restaurant layouts. He had earlier purportedly declared that his firm ‘won’t necessarily want to be the first to open’ and will only begin thinking about welcoming punters to its casinos in six states ‘when it is safe.’