Four-Max poker to be the norm when Las Vegas casinos reopen

Those policies dictate that there will be a limited amount of seating available at every operational gaming table. Only four players will be allowed at a poker table, four players at a roulette table, six players at a craps table and only three per blackjack table.

The limits on how many players per table eliminates any sort of full ring, or even six-max poker for the immediate future. It essentially eliminates poker tournaments until these rules are relaxed and the virus becomes less of a concern.

It is part of broader social distancing measures regulators are forcing operators to comply with.

Casinos will also ensure that large groups do not congregate in sportsbooks, bingo halls and keno lounges. The guidelines also recommend that chairs and stools in front of every other slot machine be removed. Any area of the hotel or casino that forms a queue will require patrons to keep their distance from one another.

Other areas of the resorts will have similar measures in place. Dayclubs and nightclubs will remain closed until further notice.

In order to reopen, casinos must submit a plan that outlines how staff will comply with the new regulations. Those plans, which will only allow casinos to operate at 50 percent capacity, must be submitted at least seven days before guests are allowed into the buildings again.

Aside from table limits and social distancing measures, new regulations include proper signage posted throughout the building reminding patrons of proper hygiene, mandated hand washing by employees on every break, appropriate personal protective equipment, most likely mask and facial coverings, worn by employees, and enhanced cleaning procedures.

The policies still did not give an exact date or timeline for when casinos will reopen. Nevada casinos have been closed since Gov. Steve Sisolak ordered a shutdown of all nonessential businesses on March 17.