Additions, upgrades and changes as Carson City casinos reopen Thursday

After the statewide shutdown in March due to COVID-19, Carson City area casinos are preparing to return to business this week, joining dozens of casinos in northern Nevada as they are set to resume operations on Thursday, June 4, the first day gaming establishments are allowed to reopen.

New promotions, improvements, cleanings and safety guidelines have been established by the Center for Disease Control and Nevada Gaming Control Board to keep customers and employees protected.

Arriving guests may see new additions to several casinos around town. The Carson Nugget has remodeled its entire facility with new slots, games, televisions and more for customers to enjoy.

CEO Dean DiLullo has been quite pleased with the recent improvements.

“We’re very excited to get back into business, we’ve spent a lot of time and money improving our staff and our casino," he said. "We want to make this an enjoyable and safe experience for everyone here.”

As casinos gear up for a return to business, here is a rundown on the openings and safety guidelines from each establishment.

Carson Nugget
The Carson Nugget, located on 507 N. Carson St., will reopen June 4 at 8 a.m to celebrate its 66th year.

Several additions and games have remodeled the entire casino for guests to enjoy. The Nugget has put in new slot machines, video blackjack, sports books, Winner’s Club entry, flat-screen televisions, table game areas and restaurant concepts.

Parking areas have been cleaned and re-striped for a new-look entrance. All bars, restaurants, emporiums, hotels and classic Bingo halls will be open. To celebrate The Nugget’s 66th anniversary, it will host a $66,000 Gold and Silver Giveaway.

DiLullo said that all Carson Nugget staff are following the CDC guidelines and Nevada Gaming Control Board to practice social distancing.

Employees will wear gloves, masks and sanitize to keep a safe distance from others. Masks and gloves are optional for customers and will be available on site.

Casino Fandango
The Casino Fandango, located on 3800 S. Carson St., is set to reopen June 4 at 8 a.m. New precautionary efforts followed by the CDC will be put in place to help keep customers and employees safe.

These safety measures include non-invasive temperature checks using infrared thermometers at entrances, hand sanitizing stations and reinforced cleaning guidelines. Team members are required to wear masks and gloves while they are both optional and available for guests.

A physical distance of at least six feet is also required at games, restaurants and all other venues. Floor distancing markers will be used in areas with lines. Plexiglass shields will be set up to protect customers and employees. Slot capacity will hover around 50 percent.

Casino Fandango manager Court Cardinal emphasized the importance of safety inside the casino.

“It’s crucial to know everyone is safe as we get things in order,” he said. “Those guidelines help all of us do just that.”

All six restaurants will be open within The Fandango, excluding the buffet. Its headline establishment, Duke’s Steakhouse, has remained open since May 22.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, The Fandango has put in new improvements including kitchen floors, bar countertops and a deep cleaning of the entire kitchen and facility.

“Each piece of equipment is almost brand new,” Cardinal said. “It was a long process to clean, but one that had to be done and we couldn't be more excited to show it.”

Max Casino
Max Casino, located on 900 S. Carson St., is reopening June 4 at 6 a.m. It will kick things off with a Tears of Joy hotseats and seven-time point multiplier events.

Senior Day will be held every Wednesday of the month along with Midnight Madness, where gamers receive $5 of free play for every 500 base points. The Wyndham Garden Hotel is set to open June 5.

The Black Bear Diner is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Weekly early bird specials will be available Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Beverage service will be held inside the Cabaret Lounge.

Hand sanitizing stations have been set up throughout the casino for employees and customers to use. Health signage will be posted to keep guests informed on important safety measures.

Bodines Casino
Bodines Casino and Restaurant, located on 5650 S. Carson St., is set to reopen June 4 at 7 a.m.

According to a statement on their official website, the Bodines staff has been sanitizing, preparing and training by the guidelines set by the CDC and Nevada Gaming Control. It plans to put procedures in place for the safety and protection of employees and customers.

Along with a selection of slots and games, The Bodines Restaurant will reopen with everyday food specials.

SlotWorld Casino
SlotWorld Casino, located on 3879 US Hwy 50 East, is reopening June 4 at 6 a.m. The staff has been following the guidelines enforced by the CDC to ensure the safety of employees and guests.

Betsy’s Big Kitchen will open June 4 with daily specials and menu items for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Gold Dust West and Comstock Casino
Gold Dust West-Carson City, 2171 E. William St., and Comstock Casino, 3680 Goni Rd., are scheduled to reopen June 4 at 8 a.m. There is no official word on if the bowling alley will be open inside Gold Dust West.

Dotty’s Casino
All five Dotty’s Casino locations in Carson City are planning on reopening June 4. An official opening time has not been announced.

Jackpot Crossing was reopening Thursday, according to its Facebook page. Cactus Jacks was to open Thursday morning, according to its Facebook page.