After being closed for 78 days, some Las Vegas casinos aren’t wasting a single minute in their plans to reopen.
Under the state’s Phase Two plan that goes into effect today, casinos can reopen at 12:01 a.m. PT on June 4. The Golden Nugget, El Cortez, seven Station Casinos, and two Wildfire Casinos will reopen at exactly 12:01 next Thursday morning, pending final regulatory approval.
“We have anxiously awaited the city’s reopening and look forward to getting our employees back to work,” Golden Nugget General Manager Chris Latil said in a statement. “We have worked with public-health officials and gaming regulators for several weeks now preparing for this reopening,” Golden Nugget Senior VP of Gaming Operations Gerry Del Prete, said.
The El Cortez echoed the Golden Nugget in a statement. “We have taken extreme measures to get ready to reopen, working tirelessly to deep clean and disinfect our entire property. Please work with us during the first few days of reopening,” the statement requested of its returning players, “as we all try to adjust to the new procedures.” These include social distancing, a reconfiguration of the slot floor, limits on the number of players at the table games, and available masks and gloves “strongly encouraged.”
In addition, the Fremont Street Experience will reopen the four-block pedestrian promenade on June 3 at 9 a.m., providing access to adjacent hotel-casinos and retail stores. Leading up to the reopenings, the Viva Vision video screen will display a 144-hour countdown that will conclude at the exact moment gaming operations restart at 12:01 a.m. on June 4. The SlotZilla zipline will also reopen in downtown Las Vegas on June 4 at 4 p.m.
Most casino companies are waiting until mid-morning on Thursday to reopen casinos closed since March 17 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Golden Nugget will open its 2,400-room hotel, pool area, and Claim Jumper restaurant on Wednesday at 3 p.m. Under the Phase 2 regulations, casinos can’t reopen until Thursday.
Station Casinos has extended regular pay and benefits for all full-time team members through June 3, 2020. When its properties open their doors on June 4, restaurants, pools, valet parking, and airport shuttles will be available; slots, table games, bingo, and the sportsbook will open, though the poker room will remain closed.
