In Nevada and officials have reportedly lifted a coronavirus-induced prohibition that had prevented small bars and taverns in the western state from operating standalone slot machines.

According to a report from CDC Gaming Reports, the move from the Nevada Gaming Control Board covers venues offering less than 16 machines and will also permit such premises to re-open their so-called ‘buddy bars’, which are areas featuring sit-down tabletop slot areas.

Rigorous regulations:

CDC Gaming Reports detailed that the loosening is to moreover allow these standalone units to touch bar areas in order to be connected to venues’ slot management systems so long as operators agree to comply with the state’s anti-coronavirus rules on health, social distancing, safety and cleaning. The Nevada Gaming Control Board purportedly pronounced that these encompass a requirement that individual units be spaced at least six feet apart and undergo regular disinfection.

Limited lifting:

However, the source reported that the embargo on the operation of bar-top slots first introduced in seven counties by Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak on July 10 is to remain in place for at least another week. This controversial move purportedly prompted 62 tavern and bar operators to immediately file a still-unsettled lawsuit in hopes of obtaining a stay against the temporary loss of one of their most lucrative sources of revenue.

Operator obligations:

The Nevada Gaming Control Board reportedly also pronounced that it is to maintain its supervision over all of the state’s re-opening slot operations and will only allow machines to be resuscitated once venues have secured and safeguarded all external wiring and provided updated floor diagrams indicating the new locations of the reviving units.

Pervasive pastime:

Finally, CDC Gaming Reports explained that Nevada is currently home to some 2,451 venues offering fewer than 16 standalone slots with the majority of these at 1,600 located in Clark County. Each one of these properties is purportedly required to pay quarterly and yearly fees per machine that could annually reach as high as $11,010.