Trevor James
Casinos in Las Vegas have been at the centre of much controversy regarding COVID-19 vaccination and mask mandates. While there is no mandate from the State of Nevada or the Gaming Control Board requiring guests to be vaccinated to enter casinos, individual casinos have been allowed to set their own rules. Some casinos have hosted vaccination clinics for employees and their families, while others have offered incentives for employees to get vaccinated. Caesars Entertainment, which owns several properties on the Strip, including Planet Hollywood, Paris Las Vegas, and the Flamingo, does not require masks for fully vaccinated guests and employees. However, they do not ask for proof of vaccination, and some patrons have expressed concerns about this. Other casinos, like the Four Queens Hotel and Casino, have posted signs stating that masks are not required for vaccinated guests, but it is unclear if they require proof of vaccination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mask requirement | Vaccinated guests are not required to wear masks in Vegas casinos |
| Mask mandate | Some casinos have lifted the mask mandate for vaccinated visitors |
| Social distancing | Vaccinated people can skip social distancing |
| Proof of vaccination | Participants in the gambling expo submitted proof of vaccination through the Clear Health Pass mobile app |
| Casino capacity | Some casinos have returned to 100% capacity |
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What You'll Learn
Casinos dropping mask mandates for vaccinated guests
Casinos in Las Vegas have lifted mask requirements for fully vaccinated visitors. This follows the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's latest guidance for Americans. The globally famous casino resorts, including the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino and the ARIA Resort & Casino, have removed the face mask requirements for guests who have been vaccinated.
At least six Las Vegas casino operators have updated their masking policies to no longer require masks for fully vaccinated visitors. These include Caesars Entertainment Inc., Wynn Resorts Ltd., MGM Resorts, Treasure Island, Las Vegas Sands Corp., and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Other businesses are reviewing the new CDC guidelines and reevaluating their policies.
Some grocers and warehouse clubs, like Trader Joe's and Costco, have also said they will ditch the mask requirements for fully vaccinated shoppers in U.S. locations where there are no mask mandates. Costco has said it won't require proof of vaccination, but has asked for members' responsible and respectful cooperation with this revised policy. Face coverings will still be required at Costco's pharmacy, optical, and hearing aid departments.
The removal of the mask requirement for fully vaccinated guests will be a big shot in the arm for casinos and their customers. It is also great news because Las Vegas is about being carefree, and masks have remained a big stumbling block for casinos to regain their footing after a challenging year.
Similarly, many Michigan casinos are updating their COVID-19 guidelines. The Greektown Casino in Detroit, for example, has lifted the mask mandate for fully vaccinated individuals.
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Casinos requiring proof of vaccination
As of May 2021, several Las Vegas casinos have lifted mask requirements for fully vaccinated visitors. This move follows the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's updated guidance that fully vaccinated people can go without masks in most indoor and outdoor spaces.
Some casinos that no longer require masks for vaccinated visitors include the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, the ARIA Resort & Casino, the Wynn and Encore Las Vegas, The Cosmopolitan, and the WinnaVegas Casino Resort.
It is important to note that while masks may not be mandatory for vaccinated individuals in these casinos, businesses can still choose to make face coverings mandatory for all guests. Additionally, some casinos may require proof of vaccination status, while others may not. It is always a good idea to check the specific requirements of the casino you plan to visit before arriving.
Furthermore, while vaccinated guests may not be required to wear masks, employees of these casinos might still be mandated to wear them, even if they are fully vaccinated. This precaution is in place to protect both employees and guests.
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Casino employees' vaccination status
In May 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that fully vaccinated individuals could go without masks in most indoor and outdoor settings. Following this, Nevada's governor, Steve Sisolak, announced that the state would follow the CDC's guidance.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board then allowed casinos to decide their mask policies. As a result, several casinos, including MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment Inc., and Wynn Resorts, waived mask requirements for vaccinated employees. These casinos asked employees to verify their vaccination status by uploading their CDC vaccination cards into an online portal.
Nevada's COVID-19 playbook categorised front-line casino and resort workers as essential workers, making them eligible for the vaccine. Governor Sisolak also made vaccinating frontline casino and tourism employees a priority to aid the state's economic recovery.
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Casinos' vaccination rules for events
Casinos in Las Vegas have generally lifted mask mandates for fully vaccinated guests. However, specific rules vary across different casinos and resorts, and some still require masks for all guests.
For example, casinos such as the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, the ARIA Resort & Casino, and the Wynn and Encore Las Vegas have removed the face mask requirement for fully vaccinated guests. Caesars Palace Las Vegas, Harrah's Las Vegas, and Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino have also removed mask requirements, stating that they will continue to adhere to CDC, state, local, and regulatory guidance.
On the other hand, some casinos, including The Cosmopolitan, require unvaccinated guests to wear masks while allowing vaccinated guests to go maskless. Similarly, Boyd Gaming Hotels and Casinos, which include the California Hotel Casino, Fremont Hotel and Casino, and Main Street Station Casino Brewery Hotel, only require masks for unvaccinated guests but do not mandate them for fully vaccinated individuals.
Some casinos have also implemented additional measures beyond mask mandates. For instance, during an annual conference in Las Vegas, participants were required to submit proof of vaccination and were given green armbands to indicate their compliance.
It is important to note that casinos' vaccination rules for events may change over time, and it is always a good idea to check the latest guidelines and updates from the specific casino or resort you plan to visit.
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Casinos' vaccination rules for children
Casinos in some regions have implemented vaccination rules for their patrons. For example, in Ontario, Canada, residents must show proof of full vaccination to access casinos, among other non-essential businesses, as of September 22, 2021. Similarly, in the United States, cities like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia have mandated proof of vaccination for entry into indoor spaces, including casinos.
However, it's important to note that these mandates may not specifically target children, as the focus has primarily been on adult vaccination status. Additionally, casino vaccination rules may vary by location and the specific guidelines of the casino or governing body.
In Las Vegas, for instance, there is no clear indication that children are subject to mandatory vaccination rules for casino entry. The city has experienced a decline in tourism, with visitor numbers dropping every month in 2025 compared to the previous year. To revive tourism, Nevada regulators are considering overhauling gaming salon rules, but there is no mention of vaccination requirements, particularly for children. The proposed changes focus on making casinos more flexible and attractive to high-value patrons, without specifying any age-related mandates.
Therefore, while some regions may require proof of vaccination for casino entry, the rules for children may vary or be less stringent. It is always advisable to check the specific requirements of the casino or the local health and safety guidelines before planning a visit, especially if you are concerned about vaccination status.
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Frequently asked questions
No, there is no vaccination requirement to enter casinos in Las Vegas. However, some venues may ask you to wear a mask if you are not fully vaccinated.
No, fully vaccinated guests and employees are allowed onto the casino floor without a mask in several major casinos in Las Vegas.
No, the State of Nevada and Gaming Control Board do not require businesses to verify a guest's vaccine status.
Some concert venues may require proof of vaccination or that masks be worn indoors. It is best to check with the venue directly for specific COVID protocols.
