Nevada Gov. keeps slot bars closed in four Nevada counties

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak unveiled new details during his address Monday into what he called Nevada’s long-term strategy to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 under a more “strategic, aggressive” and targeted response model. He confirmed that bars and pubs with gaming machines will remain closed in four Nevada counties. 

Three of the small rural counties were allowed to reopen last week, but Sisolak announced that the restrictions for bars, pubs and taverns in Clark (Las Vegas), Washoe (Reno), Elko and Nye county will not be lifted until the first assessment takes place. The bars and pubs in those counties were previously identified as increased transmission risk. 

Most bars and pubs that offer restricted gaming have their machines inserted in the bar top area. Under the current restrictions, such places that usually have 15 restricted gaming machines or less cannot operate. With that in mind, some operators have started removing their gaming machines from the bar areas and placing them in established “gaming lounges,” Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Although Las Vegas and Henderson allow such changes, operators in other cities across Clark County are expecting allowance from state officials. Smaller Las Vegas tavern and bar operators filed a lawsuit in state court seeking to overturn the governor’s directive. A hearing is set for Thursday.