MGM Resorts' Las Vegas Strip casinos approved for full capacity, no social distancing restrictions

LAS VEGAS – MGM Resorts was approved to return nine resorts on the Strip to full casino capacity without social distancing restrictions.

A Nevada Gaming Control Board waiver was granted based on MGM Resorts' work to vaccinate its workforce and applies only to gaming floors.

Though gaming floors may return to 100% capacity, 80% occupancy restrictions and 3-feet social distancing policies remain in effect at restaurants, pools and other nongaming areas and activities.

Here are the properties that may return to full capacity:

  • Bellagio Resort & Casino

  • ARIA Resort & Casino

  • MGM Grand Hotel & Casino

  • Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino

  • Park MGM

  • The Mirage Hotel & Casino

  • New York-New York Hotel & Casino

  • Luxor Hotel and Casino

  • Excalibur Hotel & Casino

Some health and safety protocols will continue, including applicable mask mandates, based on regulatory requirements and expert guidance, the company said Wednesday.

"This is yet another major milestone in Las Vegas' incredible recovery and a testament to the importance of vaccination in the effort to fully reopen our community," MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle said in a statement. "We will continue working to vaccinate as many people as possible and remain vigilant with health and safety protocols designed to protect our employees, guests and community.

Stations Casinos was approved to open its Nevada gaming floors at full capacity with no social distancing restrictions.

These properties will return to full capacity effective immediately:

  • Palace Station

  • Boulder Station

  • Sunset Station

  • Santa Fe Station

  • Green Valley Ranch

  • Red Rock Resort

At least 80% of Station Casinos employees received at least one shot of coronavirus vaccine, allowing the state gaming board to grant the waiver.

Other Las Vegas Strip casinos – including Wynn, Encore and Cosmopolitan – have been allowed to open at 100% capacity after showing Nevada state regulators that at least 80% of their employees received at least one shot of coronavirus vaccine.

Wynn Resorts and Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas representatives said they gained approval from the Nevada Gaming Control Board over the weekend to lift occupancy and physical distancing requirements and remove clear plastic separators from gambling tables.

“Employees and guests will continue to follow health and safety guidelines, including mask compliance, to ensure a safe and comfortable environment,” a Wynn Resorts statement said.

The board, which regulates casinos, set an 80% vaccination goal. Clark County lawmakers with jurisdiction over area restaurants, stores and other businesses approved plans to allow 100% occupancy once 60% of eligible county residents get a vaccine shot.

Contributing: The Associated Press.

Ed Komenda writes about Las Vegas for the Reno Gazette Journal and USA TODAY Network.

This article originally appeared on Reno Gazette Journal: Las Vegas Strip: MGM Resorts' casinos approved for full capacity