Gambling in the USA
NGCB: 2021-41 Transition to Local Control for COVID-19 Mitigation Protocols
Section 18 of Emergency Directive 044 delegates all authority to prescribe COVID-19 mitigation measures for the gaming floor of Nevada gaming licensees to the Nevada Gaming Control Board (Board). Authority to limit occupancy and to establish social distancing restrictions for other parts of a casino property, including, without limitation, restaurants, retail establishments, resort lounge areas, and other common areas is delegated to local governments under Emergency Directive 044, Section 18, paragraph 2 pursuant to an endorsed COVID-19 Local Mitigation and Enforcement Plan (Local Plan), required by Emergency Directive 044, Section 2.
The Board expects each licensee to fully comply the applicable county’s Local Plan, and issues the following clarifying instructions:
STATEWIDE MASK MANDATE
Effective May 3, 2021, Governor Sisolak updated the statewide mask mandate with the issuance of Emergency Directive 045. The Board expects each licensee to fully comply with the provisions of Emergency Directive 045. This is a statewide requirement that cannot be relaxed by a county’s Local Plan.
SENATE BILL NO. 4, 32ND SPECIAL SESSION
Each public accommodation facility, as defined in NRS 447.320, is subject to all requirements imposed by NRS 447.300 to 447.355, inclusive, and the related regulations adopted by the Director of the Department of Health and Human Services. Specifically, NRS 447.345(1) requires each public accommodation facility to establish, implement and maintain a written SARS-CoV-2 response plan. Nothing in this Industry Notice or Industry Notice #2021-37 relieves a licensee that is a public accommodation facility of that obligation.
RESTRICTED LICENSEES
Effective May 1, 2021, the Board rescinded its “Health and Safety Policy for Reopening after COVID-19: Restricted Licensees.” Each restricted licensee shall comply with its respective county’s COVID-19 Local Mitigation and Enforcement Plan (Local Plan).
NONRESTRICTED LICENSEES
Except as otherwise provided below and subject to NRS 447.300 to 447.355, inclusive, effective May 1, 2021, each nonrestricted licensee shall comply with its respective county’s general capacity and occupancy limitations and social distancing requirements, as detailed in the county’s Local Plan, within the licensee’s gaming areas. These county-specific requirements are detailed below.
Capacity Limitations for Gaming Areas (based on each county’s published Local Plan, updated 5/4/21)
Carson City:
Occupancy Limit:100%
Social Distancing Measures: 6 feet
Churchill County:
Occupancy Limit: 100%
Social Distancing Measures: None
Clark County
Occupancy Limit: 80% (Increase to 100% once 60% of eligible population receives first vaccine dose) Social Distancing Measures: 3 feet (Removed once 60% of eligible population receive first vaccine dose)
Douglas County
Occupancy Limit: 100%
Social Distancing: None
Elko County
Occupancy Limit: 100%
Social Distancing Measures: None
Esmeralda County
Occupancy Limit: 50% of Fire Code capacity
Social Distancing: None
Eureka County
Occupancy Limit: 100%
Social Distancing Measures: None
Humboldt County
Occupancy Limit: 100%
Social Distancing Measures: None
Lander County
Occupancy Limit: 100%
Social Distancing Measures: None
Lincoln County
Occupancy Limit: 100%
Social Distancing Measures: None
Lyon County
Occupancy Limit: 100%
Social Distancing: 6 feet or physical barriers between individuals
Mineral County
Occupancy Limit: 100%
Social Distancing: None
Nye County
Occupancy Limit: 100%
Social Distancing Measures: None
Pershing County
Occupancy Limit: 100%
Social Distancing: None
Storey County
Occupancy Limit: 100%
Social Distancing: None
White Pine County
Occupancy Limit: 100%
Social Distancing Measures: None
Washoe County
Occupancy Limit: 100%
Social Distancing Measures: 6 feet
Additional COVID-19 Mitigation Measures
Effective May 1, 2021, the Board will enforce the Health and Safety Policy for Continued Mitigation of the Spread of COVID-19 for nonrestricted licensees.
Formal Requests to Increase Occupancy above Local Plan Requirement
As outlined in the April 2, 2021 Joint Statement of the Nevada Gaming Control Board and Nevada Gaming Commission on COVID-19 Vaccination of Hospitality Workers (Industry Notice #2021-26), licensees may submit a request to the Chair of the Board for a waiver of applicable occupancy limitations or COVID-19 mitigation measures otherwise applicable on May 1, 2021. Such a request must demonstrate the licensee’s measurable and material steps to vaccinate its workforce.
The deadline to submit such a request was April 27, 2021; however, requests may still be submitted to [email protected] at this time. There is no requirement that the Board approve or otherwise respond to such a request in a specific timeframe. Absent an approval of this type of request by the Chair of the Board, a licensee must comply with the occupancy limits stated above. Following the lead of other licensees, rather than complying with this notice, will be deemed a violation of Regulation 5.011.
CONCLUSION
The contents, requirements, and restrictions set forth in this Industry Notice are subject to change based on a county amending its Local Plan. Each licensee is expected to continuously reference its county’s Local Plan to ensure compliance with the same.
In conjunction with state and local health officials, the Board will continue to ensure that best practices are used in the mitigation of COVID-19, and its effect on licensee operations, and will issue further notices as appropriate.
Gambling in the USA
Games Global Launches Custom Slot Game Caesars Palace Frenzy with Caesars Digital
Launch marks the first bespoke game launch in the partnership between gaming operator and premier gaming provider
Games Global today announced the exclusive launch of Caesars Palace Frenzy, a Caesars-branded slot title that marks the first bespoke game launch on behalf of Games Global’s partnership with premier gaming operator Caesars Digital. Caesars Palace Frenzy is now exclusively live on Caesars Palace Online Casino in New Jersey with plans to expand to Michigan and Pennsylvania, offering players another highly engaging, operator-specific gaming experience with iconic Caesars Palace branding.
Caesars Palace Frenzy combines the excitement of the Las Vegas Strip’s iconic casino with innovative gaming dynamics crafted by Games Global. Designed exclusively for Caesars Digital online casino players, this game delivers an online slot experience with engaging gameplay, sophisticated graphics and dynamic features like scatter pays, multiplied free spins selected by a concentric wheel and a seven-tier jackpot line-up.
This launch demonstrates Games Global’s continued emphasis on partnering with top iGaming operators to deliver exclusive and custom gaming products to players.
“Working closely with Caesars Digital to create Caesars Palace Frenzy has been an exciting journey,” the Chief Executive Officer for Games Global, Walter Bugno, said. “This game is more than just an online slot experience, it is an adventure that mirrors the thrill and grandeur of one of the world’s most iconic destinations. We’re thrilled to see it come to life and deliver a unique blend of entertainment and gaming.”
“We’re committed to collaborating with top gaming providers to launch custom online casino experiences for our players that can’t be found anywhere else,” the Senior Vice-President and Chief iGaming Officer for Caesars Digital, Matt Sunderland, said. “Caesars Palace Frenzy delivers on that commitment by providing an elevated gaming experience that we’re certain our players will enjoy.”
Gambling in the USA
Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas Announces Plans to Build New Casino Resort
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas has announced the plans to build a brand-new casino resort on its Tribal lands in Polk County.
“We are incredibly excited to embark on this new chapter. This new casino resort will not only provide significant economic benefits for those living and working in the region, but it will also become a vibrant destination for visitors,” Ricky Sylestine, Chairman of the Tribal Council, said.
While specific details are still being finalized, the new resort may offer a variety of amenities including a state-of-the-art casino floor, hotel accommodations, and diverse dining and entertainment options.
The Tribe has engaged the architectural firm FFKR to design the new resort. FFKR is known for its innovative and creative designs. The Tribe is confident the firm will create a truly exceptional destination.
In addition to the new casino resort, the Tribe is planning an extensive remodel to its existing Ischoopa/One Stop Convenience Store and Truck Stop. The remodel will include adding electronic bingo machines.
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas will be releasing news related to the new resort and any additional developments in the coming months.
Gambling in the USA
BetConstruct to Display Its Products and Services at Sigma Americas
BetConstruct, a leading company in iGaming technology and services, is heading to Sigma Americas in Sao Paulo, Brazil from April 23-25, 2024.
Sigma Americas is a major event focusing on iGaming with 10,000 delegations and more than 200 professional speakers. This event serves as an exceptional platform for participants to present their innovative offerings, engage with fellow industry leaders, and establish new business relationships.
BetConstruct is poised to introduce its cutting-edge products and solutions to the growing Brazilian market at the upcoming event. As a premier provider of online iGaming solutions, the company will showcase its comprehensive range of services to all attendees, offering diverse solutions tailored to meet their specific needs and preferences.
Moreover, BetConstruct will demonstrate its newest Spettacolare offer by Mr. First, which is a fleeting opportunity to maximise user profits and explore the potential of FTN.
Attendees of the event can find BetConstruct in the Transamerica Expo Center at Stand O60, where they will have the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of BetConstruct’s products and solutions.
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