Gamblers in Nevada Will Now Have to Wear Masks at Table Games That Don’t Have a Barrier

Gamblers in Nevada now have to wear face masks when playing table games when there isn’t a barrier separating players and the dealers, the Nevada Gaming Control Board said.

The order — part of the board’s updated health policies issued on June 17 — applies to table and card games, spectators, and anyone within six feet of the table in any case where “there is no barrier, partition, or shield between the dealer and each player.”

Las Vegas reopened its casinos on June 4 after being closed for months to crowds and fanfare, with many lining up to enter the D Hotel & Casino at midnight and few masks on guests to be found. Later that day, Bellagio's famous fountains sprang to life, and casinos, including the Wynn Las Vegas and Caesars Palace, welcomed guests to the gaming floors.

A week later, even more casinos opened their doors or released plans to, including the Excalibur Hotel & Casino, ARIA, Mandalay Bay, the Four Seasons Las Vegas, and the Paris Las Vegas.

Previously, masks were not required for guests, but were recommended as part of the Nevada Gaming Control Board’s guidelines for reopening and had to be provided upon request. As part of those guidelines, casinos have also had to facilitate social distancing and limit the number of people who could sit at one table game at a time.

The board’s updated guidance reiterates casinos have to offer all guests a face covering when they enter or have signs throughout notifying them face masks are available.

Some casinos, like MGM Resorts International, have said they are installing plexiglass barriers when social distancing isn’t possible. Several casinos, including MGM, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Las Vegas, have required employees to wear masks.

As of Monday, the Nevada Health Response had recorded more than 13,200 confirmed cases of COVID-19, more than 10,400 of which were found in Clark County, where Las Vegas is. That is an increase from when Las Vegas initially opened casinos earlier this month, having then recorded over 8,900 confirmed cases of the virus statewide.