Las Vegas Casinos Welcomes Guests Back

Written by: Heather Ferris, Las Vegas Casino & Games Content Expert
6 minute read
Las Vegas Casinos Reopening

“Nevada is a premier travel destination, and will always be a warm and welcoming spot for visitors,” stated Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak as he gave his update for Phase 2. Las Vegas casinos reopened their doors to tourists on Thursday, June 4, nearly three months after the Covid-19 pandemic prompted the closures of nonessential businesses and casinos.

In Phase 2, tourists and locals can look forward to open pools, waterparks, restaurants, and famous attractions such as the High Roller, Slotzilla, and the observation deck and thrill rides on top of the Strat. Las Vegas is doing everything that it can to be safe and stay smart, so guests can stay healthy and have fun.

News Highlights

  • The State of Nevada is entering Phase 2 of the reopening plan.
  • Las Vegas casinos have spent months preparing to reopen.
  • Protocols and measures are being implemented to ensure the safety of guests.

Las Vegas Casinos Opens Their Doors Again

The city has welcomed the Phase 2 reopening with open arms, feeling more and more comfortable heading out into public spaces, and happy to have a break from the strict stay-at-home measures that began in mid-March.

All properties that reopened have implemented health and sanitation plans to comply with the protocols from Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak, the Nevada Gaming Control Board, and public health authorities.

Casino Resorts Reopening

Restrictions have been lifted on many of the businesses and amenities found at the larger resorts and throughout Las Vegas, such as restaurants, bars, spas, pools, gyms, hair and nail salons, and retail stores. Take a look at some of the entertainment options available right now.

  • As of July 10, free-parking is now available at several Strip casinos, including the Cosmopolitan, Bellagio, NYNY, Wynn, and MGM.
  • The Linq Promenade, where a section of retail and outlet shops are located is now open for business. 
  • At Caesars Palace, the steakhouse, café, lounge, and pool are open. A selection of retail shops and restaurants is open at the forum shops, and Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen is open for dinner only. 
  • At the Flamingo, both the Beach Club and Go pools are accessible. 
  • The Cosmopolitan has a list of available restaurants and retail shops. The outdoor tennis courts, fitness center, pool, spa, and salon are open and ready for guests. 
  • The Bellagio Conservatory is available to the public featuring a new Japanese Spring Garden called “Japan Journey: Magic of Kansai.” The Bellagio fountains are also up and running on a daily schedule. 
  • MGM has a list of restaurants open as well as the salon, fitness center, and pool. 
  • The NYNY rollercoaster and arcade are available and running. 
  • At the Wynn, the sportsbook is open along with the 18-hole golf course, pools with private cabanas, a list of restaurants, the free nightly show Lake of Dreams, a list of retail shops, beauty salon, barbershop, spa treatments, and their fitness center.

Special Casino Booking Deals

Due to the low occupancy rates, Las Vegas is offering fantastic deals right now. With these summer travel deals, some restrictions may apply, including blackout dates and subject to availability.

  • Stay for three nights during the mid-week before September at the Flamingo, Caesars Palace, Nobu, Paris, or Harrah’s using the coupon code STAY3 to get a discount. 
  • The Cosmopolitan gives travelers 20% off their room plus a $50 pool credit with a two-night stay Sunday through Thursday. 
  • The Venetian is giving guests up to 25% off plus essential workers a complimentary night free. No minimum nightly stay and is valid for 2020. 
  • The Sahara is giving away a free VIP private dinner for two at Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres and waived resort fee for a Friday Saturday booking.

COVID-19 Safety Measures and Protocols

Las Vegas Reopening Face Masks

Many of Las Vegas casinos have also adopted additional, expanded safety protocols. Patrons, guests, and employees can expect to receive free masks if they do not have their own, non-invasive temperature screenings upon arrival, and readily available hand sanitizer on the casino floor and throughout the properties.

Casinos are also putting effort into expanding and refining cleaning measures, increasing cleaning frequency, and targeting heavy traffic areas.

Also, casinos are adhering to 50% maximum capacity requirements, and some are even offering voluntary employee coronavirus and antibody testing.

No Mask No Dice

On June 25, a new regulation was implemented, requiring all patrons to wear face coverings. Face masks are now required in business establishments. Masks must also be worn at pools, but they don’t have to be worn while in the water.

On Friday, July 10, at 11:59 pm, bars not serving food were ordered to shut down as the state rolls back its reopening plan amid the pandemic. Phase 3 industries that are still waiting to open include night clubs, shows, day clubs, and a few other types of adult entertainment.

Safety vs. Economy

However, as Las Vegas reopens, the government walks a fine line between economic recovery and a spike in COVID-19 cases. This delicate balance has caused a yo-yo effect of industries opening and closing in response to the local infection numbers. 

While cautious, the Governor takes the well-being of residents and tourists very seriously and has worked with health and safety officials throughout the state to put the pieces into place for a successful opening.  

The Show Must Go On

With flights increasing around the county and great deals on a hotel stay just a phone call or click away, Las Vegas looks forward to welcoming new and seasoned travelers. The people of Las Vegas take pride in hosting visitors from around the world in their spirited and resilient city.

They want people to have an experience that is safe, positive, and endearing, inspiring a long term relationship with the city that never sleeps. Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak summed it up, “We look forward to welcoming back all tourists who love Nevada as much as we do in the safest and most responsible way possible.”

Las Vegas Reopening

The following infographic highlights all the businesses and attractions reopening in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas Reopening Infographic

Heather Ferris

Heather Ferris Las Vegas Casino & Games Content Expert

Heather Ferris is the founder of Vegas-Aces, an online school for casino dealers, players, and game inventors. She is a Las vegas expert, adjunct professor at UNLV, a member of the NVEA e-Sports Alliance, and a consultant who helps new table game inventors break into the industry.

Learn More About Heather