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The 51st annual World Series of Poker is normally held at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas this time of year. The $10,000 buy-in Main Event was scheduled for July 1 - 3, with several other events on the venue from May 26 to July 11. But organizers announced on April 20 that the event would be postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They are hoping the event can still take place this fall. Nevada, however, is one of several states with a mandatory mask mandate right now. Unless something changes quickly, it does not appear the event will take place at all this year. Poker players in Nevada and New Jersey have the opportunity to play online events this month at WSOP.com. They can win championship bracelets and large purses in these events, but nothing close to the $10 million first prize in last year's Main Event.
Despite the WSOP being cancelled, many Las Vegas poker rooms reopened in June. The Nevada Gaming Commission approved five-handed poker, a downgrade from the normal nine or 10 player games. Popular off-strip poker rooms like The Orleans and South Pointe opened last month, as did Caesar’s Palace. The Bellagio and Sahara Las Vegas have an advantage over the competition in Sin City. Both have installed plexiglass shields at all poker tables, separating players with physical barriers. Nevada allows six players per table at those casinos because of the extra precautions taken by operators. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Florida appears to be the first casino to install plexiglass at poker tables, pioneering what appears to be the new norm.
Gambling has finally returned to the Bay Area, with many of the same foregoing caveats. Lucky Chances Casino in Colma restarted operations on June 22. The poker room is open, but only half of the tables are in use. A maximum of six players may sit at any given time. The casino is installing plexiglass on both its poker and blackjack tables, according to CardPlayer.com. Plexiglass has already been installed at gift shops, restaurants and the cash cages in the casino. All guests must have their temperatures taken and wear masks.
The Graton Casino in Rohnert Park reopened during the week of June 17. Greg Harris, chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton, told KTVU Fox 2 that the casino will have some of the strictest safety standards in the state and perhaps the country. There is a zero-tolerance policy for patrons and workers not wearing masks at all times, unless they are eating or drinking. Everyone gets their temperature checked upon entry. Sanitizing stations are within a few steps of every corner of the casino. There are also electronic sprayers throughout the property that emit a sanitizing mist in the air. All table games, like poker and blackjack, have plexiglass partitions separating players. Patrons will be asked only one time to social distance and wear masks when violating those policies, before being asked to leave upon the second violation.
Eco Office is the Bay Area's premier provider of plexiglass barriers and sneeze guards. Our offices never closed, as we've been providing this essential service to businesses of all types, including, but not limited to, casinos, office buildings, supermarkets, schools and government. We've retrofitted thousands of cubicles across the Bay Area with plexiglass barriers to help companies comply with safety regulations. Give us a call today at 408-437-1700 to discuss your plexiglass and all office design needs.
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