Operator News

US – Las Vegas casinos beginning to shut following closures in seven states

By Phil - 16 March 2020

Casinos on the Las Vegas Strip have confirmed they will be closing in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Wynn Resorts will shut Wynn Las Vegas and Encore for two weeks from Tuesday whilst MGM will close all of its gaming floors also from Tuesday.

Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts, said: “Despite our commitment to dedicating additional resources for cleaning and promoting good health, while making difficult decisions to close certain aspects of our operations, it is now apparent that this is a public health crisis that requires major collective action if we are to slow its progression.”

“This is a time of uncertainty across our country and the globe and we must all do our part to curtail the spread of this virus,” he added. “We will plan to reopen our resorts as soon as it safe to do so and we will continue to support our employees, guests, and communities in every way that we can during this period of closure.”

Wynn CEO Matt Maddox added: “Based on what we’re seeing, our business volumes are going to be basically empty over the next few weeks. Our hotel occupancy will be in the low teens – and that, to me, is not our concern. What our concern is that we all get through this together. What we’re going to do through these challenging times is make sure that all of our full-time employees, whether you’re in a closed outlet or you’re working here – will be getting their pay. We don’t know where this is going to end, but we do know that it will.”

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak said: “We’re very concerned about what the economic downturn will do to the state of Nevada. We’re aware that we rely on gaming and sales tax as (a) predominant source of revenue, and hopefully we’ll be able to weather the storm. I’m confident that there are adequate reserves, and hopefully we’ll be able to move forward.”

Casino operations in seven states have already closed with Rhode Island, Indiana, Massachusetts, Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New York all suspending casino operations until the end of March. So far, Atlantic City has cancelled entertainment, poker tournaments and closed nightclubs and bars, but its casinos are still open.
In Massachusetts, MGM Resorts International President Bill Hornbuckle said MGM Springfield would close for 15 days.

He said. “We sincerely regret the impact this will have on our employees, their families, and the community, but their health and safety is our number one concern. This is a challenging time and we regret the impact closure will have on our employees, their families, and the community. This is a unique and unprecedented public health crisis, and the wellbeing of everyone in the community is our most pressing concern.”

Illinois has shutdown its entire casino sector for 14 days, saying the ‘public health of patrons, casino employees, IGB staff, and others is of paramount importance.’
Six of Pennsylvania’s 12 casinos have closed down temporarily with six of Ohio’s 11 casinos also shutting up shop.