Harrah's becomes first casino to require vaccines; Could Vegas be next?
Harrah’s New Orleans Hotel & Casino has become the first casino in the United States to require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter.
The news was first reported by CDC Gaming Reports.The casino is owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment.
It comes as New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced a new vaccine requirement for many indoor activities starting Aug. 16 that includes indoor dining and bars and other indoor entertainment. You will need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test if you are 12 or older for any activities the city deems as having a “high transmission risk.”
The mandate also covers racetracks and other venues with slot machines.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal has reported some casinos in Nevada are also considering vaccine mandates and that the MGM is already requiring workers who refuse to get vaccinated to pay for their own COVID-19 testing.
Already some events in Vegas require vaccination or proof of negative test results for COVID-19. Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak said this week he didn’t want to have to impose more mandates, but left the door open if vaccination rates don’t improve and the delta variant continues to spread.
Featured image of Las Vegas by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy.
Clint Henderson is Senior News Editor at TPG.