As the world adapts to post-pandemic realities, poker players across the globe are turning their attention to an innovative safety solution being developed by Screaming Images, a Las Vegas-based company known for custom signage and visual solutions.
In response to health and safety guidelines recently released by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, casinos are being urged to implement new protective measures to ensure both employee and guest safety. With over 450,000 individuals employed in Las Vegas’s gaming and tourism industries, the stakes for a safe return to normalcy are high.
Enter: The Safety Shield
One of the most promising innovations under consideration is a clear acrylic safety shield, custom-designed for use at table games and slot machines. This solution, developed by Screaming Images, is being seen as a potential game-changer for casino safety protocols.
Here’s how the shield works:
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At table games, it acts as a barrier between dealers and players, reducing the risk of airborne transmission.
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At slot machines, the shield forms a protective divider between players seated at adjacent machines.
Designed for Flexibility and Safety
These shields are not one-size-fits-all. They’re custom-shaped to fit different tables and casino layouts across venues, particularly useful for Las Vegas’s iconic poker rooms. The shields are:
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Made of clear, fog-resistant acrylic for uninterrupted visibility
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Easily cleanable and disinfectable
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Secure but non-permanent, requiring no screws or damage to table surfaces
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Removable, should future conditions no longer require them
A Potential Lifeline for Poker Rooms
Poker rooms, especially in Nevada, are exploring 4-max tables (four players per table) to comply with social distancing guidelines—an adjustment that doesn’t sit well with many traditional players.
However, the implementation of safety shields could enable the return of fuller tables while still maintaining a safe environment. This would not only improve the poker experience but also support the industry’s economic recovery by allowing for greater player volume per game.
Looking Ahead
As Las Vegas casinos await the green light to reopen, players can expect to see these safety shields in action. If widely adopted, this innovation could mark a critical step forward in revitalizing poker rooms, protecting players and staff, and restoring the social essence of the game that so many poker fans love.
