NIGA’s statement on Friday, July 16 comes after the Southern Nevada Health District recommended people wear a mask “in crowded indoor public places where they may have contact with others who are not fully vaccinated.”
“We look forward to bringing together Indian Country and our Indian Gaming industry as we set the new normal,” NIGA said. “Attendees should feel certain that the event will be a safe environment for all the hard work and networking that we anticipate.”
Unvaccinated guests visiting Las Vegas are required to wear masks, though the policy is not strictly enforced.
The Las Vegas Sands-owned Venetian and Palazzo were the first Las Vegas Strip properties to announce that vaccinated and unvaccinated employees must return to wearing masks.
Caesars, which is hosting the Indiana Gaming Tradeshow and Convention (July 20-23), has not announced any changes to its mask policies.
Ernest L. Stevens, Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association, said, “We have made every effort from the very beginning to follow both the CDC Guidelines and the Clark County, Nevada COVID-19 protocols, which are specifically in place for our show next week.
“First and foremost, we are always about making sure our attendees have a safe and comfortable environment this year, so if they choose to wear masks as a personal precaution; we welcome that choice.”
Covid-19 cases have steadily risen in Clark County over the last two months. On Friday the county reported 780 new cases and a seven-day average of 657 cases.
