Caesars Palace and the Flamingo Las Vegas will be the first Strip properties Caesars Entertainment intends to reopen once a halt is called to the shutdown of gaming in the state, the company said late Thursday.
In a statement, Caesars – which has eight Strip resorts and the Linq promenade – said Caesars Palace and the Flamingo will offer lodging, dining, and access to their outdoor pools, as well as slot machines and table games.
Casinos and gaming operations in Nevada have been closed since mid-March in an effort to slow the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Governor Steve Sisolak will decide when casinos can reopen, and the Gaming Control Board will oversee the process.
Caesars CEO Tony Rodio said the reopened properties will operate consistent with physical distancing guidelines and enhanced health and safety protocols. Caesars said it will also suspend fees for paid self-parking in Las Vegas.
The Company said Harrah’s Las Vegas and the gaming floor at Linq resort would be the next properties on the Strip to reopen, with timing based on customer demand.
“Reopening Las Vegas in a phased approach will be a significant milestone for Caesars Entertainment as the country continues to emerge from this necessary closure period,” Rodio said in a statement.
The phased-in approach is similar to reopenings planed by other companies will multiple properties. MGM Resorts International, which has 10 Strip properties, will initially reopen just New York-New York and Bellagio. Las Vegas Sands will reopen the Venetian’s hotel, but not the Palazzo. Red Rock Resorts will reopen six of its locals’ casino-hotel properties, but hold back reopening four locations, including the off-Strip Palms.
“We are excited to welcome guests and our employees back to our properties,” Rodio said. “We are grateful for the efforts of those on the front lines addressing this public health emergency. We are hopeful that the country’s continued progress in addressing COVID-19 and business conditions will allow us to reopen more of our properties and bring back more of our colleagues as it is appropriate to do so.”
Additionally, Caesars anticipates several retail and dining outlets along the Linq Promenade will reopen, as well as the High Roller Observation Wheel.
Live entertainment, bars, spas, buffets, and valet parking will not be resumed immediately.
However, when they are restored, the amenities will operate with physical distancing guidelines The company’s other Las Vegas properties and restaurants are expected to reopen based on customer demand.
Caesars recently announced enhanced health and safety protocols are more frequent cleaning and sanitization. Caesars is also implementing a health screening program for all employees to determine which employees will be required to be tested for COVID-19 before returning to work and thereafter will conduct employee temperature checks before every shift.
Employees will be required to wear masks, which will be provided by the company. Guests will also be provided masks and will be strongly encouraged to wear them throughout their visit.
Howard Stutz is the executive editor of CDC Gaming Reports. He can be reached at hstutz@cdcgaming.com. Follow @howardstutz on Twitter.
