There is now a plan in place from the Nevada Gaming Control Board to reopen Las Vegas casinos! All that’s needed is permission from Governor Steve Sisolak! But despite calls from Mayor Carolyn Goodman to open The Strip immediately based on economic reasons, the governor says that decision will be based on science. Hello friends, and thanks for streaming another edition This Week in Gambling. Welcome to week seven of the global corona virus pandemic, where everyone is asking: When can we return to our normal lives? That is, if we can ever really get back to a normal life….

This Week in Gambling reported last week that the mayor of Las Vegas is in a mad rush to reopen The Strip and convention centers. Her comments contradict the guidelines for reopening issued by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, who will ultimately be the authority to sign off on any plan to open the doors of the casinos. The board has a list of procedures in place that businesses should follow before reopening, which include complying with all prescribed local, state and federal COVID-19 heath requirements. Mayor Goodman does not have the power to order Las Vegas’ casinos to reopen….

The threat of massive casino job losses from the Coronavirus pandemic is a very real danger. Actually, the fear of crowds and a lack of expendable money could shut down the entire tourism industry across America for years. In Nevada, where casino companies reign, an estimated one in three workers is directly or indirectly employed by the leisure and hospitality industry, according to analysts. States like Nevada, Hawaii and Florida could be devastated. However, under the new Coronavirus stimulus package signed by President Trump, some casino workers may actually earn more money from unemployment benefits than what they earned before…

In what probably comes as no surprise to most Americans, President Trump recently announced continued social distancing through April, which means the US casino closures will almost certainly continue. Details about this extension and the most recent Coronavirus updates may come as early as tonight. Those recommendations include refraining from social gatherings of more than 10 people, working from home if possible, and eschewing any discretionary travel. It also includes maintaining a minimum of six feet of distance between people known or suspected to have the Coronavirus. Obviously, this will profoundly affect US Casinos. The projected peak death rate is…

Ah, the Tropicana Las Vegas. An actual landmark. One we have teased a bit over the years, but still one of the oldest and most recognizable names in Sin City. But are it’s days on the Strip over? Last week, owners Penn National announced they would be selling the Tropicana to navigate through the financial downturn caused by the Coronavirus outbreak. They are disposing of the real estate assets but it will continue to operate the facility. Given the uncertainty about the duration of the pandemic and with no meaningful revenue for the foreseeable future, the gaming company also said…

Never in my wildest dreams would I imagine we would see Las Vegas shut down… and yet, here we are! The Governor of Nevada ordered all casinos in the Silver State to shutter their operations by 11:59pm on March 17. The restrictions will remain in place for at least 30 days and will be enforced by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. The order comes amid concerns over the spread of the novel Coronavirus, and as part of a nation wide effort to slow it’s spread. All casinos across the state required to shut down gaming devices, machines, tables, games and…