Let gaming begin: Gamblers flock back to Las Vegas after coronavirus shutdown

LAS VEGAS — When the clock struck 12:01 a.m. Thursday on the Las Vegas strip, casinos unlocked their doors.

It’s been 78 days since a hand of blackjack was dealt or a pair of dice was rolled because of the coronavirus pandemic at casinos in Nevada, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

Gamblers were hungry to hit the tables as crowds gathered waiting to get in, USA Today reported.

Visitors said not much has changed in the casinos except for temperature checks and the offer of a mask, the Review-Journal reported. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees and above will not be able to go enter if they continue to have a high temperature after a 15-minute wait.

Resorts are also offering touchless arrivals like automatically opening doors and curbside check-in, the Las Vegas Sun reported.

Casinos were told to operate at a 50% capacity, according to the Review-Journal. Every other chair at slot machines were removed and limited spots were available at table games.

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Casinos People wait in line to enter after the reopening of the D Las Vegas hotel and casino Thursday, June 4, 2020, in Las Vegas. Casinos were allowed to reopen early Thursday after temporary closures as a precaution against the coronavirus. (AP Photo/John Locher) (John Locher/AP)

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