Public health and safety a priority

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has opened 156 cases across the state relating to non-compliance with its COVID-19 health and safety protocols in casinos.

the NGCB has filed three formal complaints against licensees with the Nevada Gaming Commission

Out of the 156 cases, the regulatory body has filed three formal complaints against licensees with the Nevada Gaming Commission. In a statement on its website, the NGCB said it had conducted more than 10,135 inspections and observations as part of these cases.

Commenting on the investigations, Sandra Douglass Morgan, chairwoman of the NGCB, said: “The Gaming Control Board has never shied away from its duty to strictly regulate licensed gaming, and the same is true for the enforcement of Governor Sisolak’s Emergency Directives and the Board’s Health and Safety Policies.” ?

Details of the complaints

The NGCB has issued formal complaints against the Hotel Nevada and Gambling Hall, Bowl Incline, and the COD Casino. None of the properties are located in Southern Nevada.

six patrons of COD Casino were found to be either improperly or not wearing face coverings

After a period of observation, three patrons of the Hotel Nevada and Gambling Hall and six patrons of COD Casino were found to be either improperly or not wearing face coverings. According to the Board agent, casino employees did not take any action against the behavior.

At Bowl Incline, an agent observed that the property’s bar-top slot machines were still in service with chairs in front of every other machine. An NGCB statement said this is a direct breach of Nevada Gaming Commission Regulation. ?

Gov. Sisolak’s reopening plans

In early March, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak issued a statewide Declaration of Emergency to limit the spread of COVID-19. This ultimately resulted in the closure of all Nevada casino properties.

On June 4, all Nevada casinos were permitted to reopen with additional health and safety protocols in place as part of Sisolak’s Phase Two Reopening. These protocols included social distancing measures, increased sanitization, and mandatory face coverings.

the NGCB adopted responsibility for the compliance of reopened casinos

In line with Sisolak’s reopening plans, the NGCB adopted responsibility for monitoring the compliance of reopened casinos. Failure of a gaming licensee to comply with the enhanced health and safety requirements would result in disciplinary action, including the possibility of license suspension or revocation.

This week, Sisolak announced the state’s current phased reopening plan would be replaced by a “long-term mitigation strategy.” On his Twitter account, Sisolak said that he was working with the Nevada Health Response Team to finalize the plan, which he expects to be rolled out next Monday. The governor warned that under the new strategy, non-compliant businesses could be closed down.