Wynn Resorts Prepares to Re-Open Putting Pressure On Nevada Governor

Nevada remains in lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak! Las Vegas casinos are currently losing massive amounts of money each day they are closed. 

However, U.S. President Donald Trump has already released guidelines for states and select businesses to resume operations, which has led to Wynn Resorts preparing a plan should Governor Steve Sisolak choose to approve Nevada’s re-opening.

According to Sam Ghafir and John DeCree, analysts for Union Gaming, Trump’s guidelines would likely help casinos get back on their feet. Ghafir and DeCree believe that most casinos would be allowed to re-open under phase one of Trump’s plan.

While social distancing protocols for casinos remain vague, Ghafir and DeCree expect re-opened casinos to reduce their gaming capacity, decrease seats at gaming tables, and equipping dealers with face masks.

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Wynn CEO Releases Re-Opening Guidelines  

If Gov. Sisolak approves phase one on May 1, Wynn hopes to convince him that they can re-open their casinos responsibly. On April 19, Matt Maddox, Wynn’s CEO, uploaded a Health & Sanitation Program on Wynn’s website, in which he laid out their plans to ensure the safety of guests and employees.

According to Maddox’s plan, each of Wynn’s operating departments will have an individualized set of procedures that rely on the best available evidence on sanitation from medical experts. Maddox noted that the COVID-19 curve in Nevada has flattened, but worried that the state’s economy has been severely impacted by the imposed shutdowns. 

Maddox stated that Nevada currently has very high unemployment rates, which the Gov. Sisolak must address. Maddox’s call to Sisolak was echoed by Las Vegas’ Mayor Carolyn Goodman, who has called the total shutdown a bad move.

Re-Opening Would Help Mitigate Casinos’ Losses

If Gov. Sisolak chooses to follow the guidelines released by Pres. Trump, Wynn Resorts’ casinos would be allowed to re-open under phase one—its nightclubs or bars would continue to be closed, until phases two and three. The fact that Wynn Resorts has made the announcement public will add to the pressure faced by the Governor. 

Union Gaming believes that implementing phase one would make a major difference to the gambling industry. Ghafir and DeCree stated that a partial re-opening of casinos can lead to some revenues that would help the industry mitigate expenses such as rent and interest, which would help them recover later on.

However, even if Nevada’s casinos were to re-open, it’s unclear how many customers will be excited to patronize such venues. As with Macau’s casinos, which re-opened after flattening the curve, it is likely that casinos continue to lose money due to a lack of players.