As the economic toll of COVID-19 continues to weigh heavily on Nevada, Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddox is urging state officials to begin a phased reopening of the economy—including the return of Las Vegas poker rooms.
In a recent opinion piece published in The Nevada Independent, Maddox made the case for a strategic, incremental reopening plan. He argues that while public health remains a top priority, the long-term economic damage—particularly in tourism-dependent cities like Las Vegas—must also be considered.
A Phased Approach with Safety at the Forefront
Maddox proposes a measured reopening strategy, including:
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😷 Mandatory use of face masks
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🧪 Increased COVID-19 testing
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📊 Ongoing data monitoring to track infections
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📏 Strict enforcement of social distancing
He emphasizes that if case numbers rise or if the healthcare system becomes overwhelmed, reopening efforts would be scaled back immediately.
Wynn’s Proactive COVID-19 Response
Wynn Resorts has been one of the more proactive operators in Las Vegas since the pandemic began. When it closed its doors, Wynn committed to paying its 15,000 employees—both full-time and part-time—for 60 days, at a cost of $3 million per day.
This early move demonstrated Wynn’s commitment to both employee welfare and long-term recovery planning.
Poker Rooms Poised for a Comeback?
Wynn Las Vegas is home to a 28-table poker room, one of the most prominent in the city. If the reopening plan moves forward, poker may once again find a home on the Strip—albeit with major changes to ensure player safety.
Alongside venues like Aria, Bellagio, MGM Grand, The Venetian, and Caesars, Wynn is considered a cornerstone of the city’s poker scene. A successful reopening here could set the tone for the return of poker rooms across Las Vegas.
The Path Ahead
While Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak has extended the shutdown of nonessential businesses until at least April 30, discussions like Maddox’s highlight the urgency many feel to revive the state’s economy. With safety plans in place and financial stakes mounting, the countdown to cards-in-the-air may have already begun.
