A number of further US casino operators have joined the re-opening race as organisations issue plans for establishments to begin welcoming patrons once again in the coming weeks.
After phase two of the Nevada United: Roadmap to Recovery plan was unveiled by Governor Steve Sisolak, stipulating a June 4 target of partial reopening, a multitude of operators have put the date at the centre of their own aspirations.
One such example is MGM Resorts International, with the company detailing that resumption of its Bellagio, New York-New York, MGM Grand Las Vegas and The Signature properties early next month.
Publishing a detailed strategy encompassing a seven-point safety plan and a number of key initiatives designed to ensure the safety and protection of guests and staff, at opening amenities at all entities will be limited.
As demand for the destination builds, additional venues within these resorts will open and other MGM Resorts properties on The Strip will return.
“Our hearts go out to everyone in the communities where we operate, and around the world, who has been personally impacted during this time of crisis,” said Bill Hornbuckle, MGM Resorts’ acting CEO and president.
“As we plan for these openings, the health and safety of our guests and employees is at the forefront of all we do. Getting many of our employees back to work and welcoming guests through our doors once again will allow us to do what we do best – entertain. The team is ready and we can’t wait.”
Wynn Las Vegas is another that has stipulated the first Thursday of June as the date it too will return to action, creating a “comprehensive” health and safety plans and promising to deliver “a complete Las Vegas experience”.
Both Wynn and Encore hotel towers are to return, along with two 24-hour casinos with a variety of table games, slots and sportsbook, full portfolio of eateries, pools, golf course and nightly entertainment.
In addition, several new measures in social distancing, touchless technologies, and cleaning protocols have been incorporated throughout the resort in an effort to protect the well-being of all guests. These include:
- Non-invasive thermal temperature checks and face coverings provided at all entrances.
- Automatic hand sanitiser stations, UV Technology, and electrostatic sprayers will be utilised throughout the resort.
- Sealed guest rooms after meticulous sanitisation by Wynn’s professional housekeeping staff.
- Amenity kits including sanitising wipes, hand sanitiser, and face coverings in each guest room.
- Dedicated team of cleaning professionals sanitising public guest areas 24 hours a day.
“We are ready to provide our guests with a full Las Vegas experience with a collection of luxury amenities and unmatched service,” noted Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddox.
“At the same time, our extensive health and safety plan, validated by the nation’s leading public health experts, will enable a safe environment for our guests. The entire Wynn team is looking forward to welcoming our guests back.”
Boyd Gaming Corporation is to resume operations at its 13 properties across Nevada (June 4), Missouri (June 1) and Iowa (June 1), pending the receipt of final regulatory approvals.
The will see the return of Missouri properties Ameristar St. Charles and Ameristar Kansas City, Iowa’s Diamond Jo Dubuque and Diamond Jo Worth and the group’s nine Nevada entities of The Orleans, Gold Coast, Suncoast, Aliante, Cannery, Sam’s Town, Fremont, California and Jokers Wild.
“We are excited for the opportunity to resume operations in Nevada, Missouri and Iowa, as our nationwide operations continue to return to business,” stated Keith Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boyd Gaming.
“So far, we are encouraged by the enthusiastic response we have seen from our customers in Louisiana, Mississippi and Kansas following our reopenings in those states.
“By the first week of June, we look forward to having 21 of our 29 properties across the country back in operation, and we are optimistic that we will be able to reopen most of our remaining properties by the end of June.
“As we continue to reopen our properties, we will remain diligent in protecting the health and safety of every person who comes through our doors, following strict safety protocols that meet the highest standards set by federal, state and local officials.”
Wind Creek Hospitality has announced the reopening of its three Alabama-based resort properties across the next two weeks, with a soft opening to small groups of invited guests beginning on Thursday 4 June followed by a public opening for the “new” full operation four days later.
To accommodate social distancing, all of the properties will be limiting the number of guests on the casino floor, representing roughly one-third of normal operations. Upon reopening, the casino floor will be open to the public for four sessions each day and deep cleaning will be conducted between sessions.
Jay Dorris, CEO & President of Wind Creek, explained: “Just like your favourite restaurant on a Friday night, a reservation isn’t required. But if you absolutely want to join us on a given day and time, reservations are available.”
