Boyd Gaming became the latest casino operator to be approved for a return to 100% gaming floor capacity Thursday. The company said in a statement its nine Las Vegas neighborhood and downtown casinos, which are currently operating, will resume full occupancy following a decision by state gaming regulators.
As with properties operated by other gaming companies that were cleared earlier this week, the order from the Gaming Control Board covers just the casino floor.
Current 80% occupancy restrictions and three-foot social distancing policies remain in effect for non-gaming amenities inside casinos, such as restaurants, retail, and entertainment. Mask wearing by customers and employees is still required throughout the properties.
In a brief statement, Boyd Gaming said it received approval from the Control Board for Orleans, Gold Coast, Suncoast, Aliante, Sam’s Town, Cannery in North Las Vegas, and Jokers Wild, as well as two downtown properties, California and Fremont. Two Boyd properties – downtown’s Main Street Station and the Eastside Cannery – remain closed.
Boyd said the regulatory approval came after the company was commended “for its ongoing efforts to assist team members and their families in the COVID-19 vaccination process.” Boyd operated on-site vaccination centers at two properties and awarded paid vacation to hourly employees who completed the vaccination process.
Boyd Gaming’s rival in the locals gaming markets, Red Rock Resorts, announced Wednesday its properties – operated through its Station Casinos subsidiary – were cleared for 100% capacity on casino floors.
The 18 Strip gaming properties operated by MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment were also cleared Wednesday. Wynn Las Vegas and Encore, the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas, the off-Strip Silverton, and the Strat Tower and Resort downtown, have also been approved for 100% gaming floor occupancy.
Clark County lawmakers with jurisdiction over Las Vegas-area businesses have approved plans to allow 100% occupancy once 60% of eligible county residents receive a COVID-19 vaccine shot. As of Wednesday, the figure was 47%.
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak has made vaccinating the state’s frontline casino and tourism employees a priority in order to help the economic rebound.
Howard Stutz is the executive editor of CDC Gaming. He can be reached at hstutz@cdcgaming.com. Follow @howardstutz on Twitter.
