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Lake Tahoe Basin: 5 things to know before you head to casinos

Lake Tahoe Basin: 5 things to know before you head to casinos
ARE THERE IS NO TRAVEL BAN. REPORTER: THE ENERGY AND EXCITEMENT THAT SURROUNDS THE STATE LINE OF NEVADA IS BACK AS THE THREE LARGEST CASINOS REOPEN THEIR DOORS, AND VISITORS RETURN FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE MARCH. >> THE GAMING INDUSTRY COMING BACK ALI HAS BEEN A GREAT AND POSITIVE NEWS FOR US. WE HAVE SEEN THE PENT-UP DEMAND AND THE REQUESTS TO COME BACK. WE ARE EXCITED TO BE ABLE TO OPEN UP. REPORTER: GAMING IS HUGE REVENUE FOR NEVADA, AND A HUGE DRAW FOR VISITORS WHO OFTEN SPEND MONEY IN SOUTH LAKE TAHO CALIFORNIA, WHILE GAMBLING AT STATELINE, NEVADA. THE GAME CAN GO ON WITH NEW SAFETY MEASURES AND TABLE AND SLOT MACHINE USE CUT IN HALF TO ALLOW FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING. >> I AM GLAD IT HAS REOPENED BUT I STILL DON’T LIKE THE MASKS AND ALL THE SOCIAL DISTANCING AND STUFF. IT IS WHAT IT IS. REPORTER: CINDY BRAZELTON AND HER HUSBAND ARE THRILLED TO VISIT THE CASINOS ONCE MORE, BUT SHE SAYS IT IS CONFUSING WHEN YOU CONSIDER STATELINE IS ON THE BORDER OF TWO STATES IN DIFFERENT STAGES OF REOPENING. THE SIGN BACK HERE SAYS IT ALL. IN NEVADA, T CASINOS ARE WELCOMING PEOPLE BACK. RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET IN SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, THERE IS STILL A TRAVEL BAN IN PLACE. CINDY: WE WEREN’T SURE, BECAUSE WE LIVE IN EL DORADO COUNTY, AND LAKE TAHOE IS EL DORADO COUNTY, AND THEY DISCOURAGE ANYBODY COMING. KRISTIN: THEY ARE NO LONGER OFFERING CITATIONS TO PEOPLE, BUT THEY ARE NOT ENCOURAGING TOURISM. ONE PERSON WE SPO WITH SAID FINDING A ROOM IN SOUTHLAKE WAS EASY. >> NO PROBLEM AT ALL. KRISTIN: WHILE THERE MAY BE CONFUSION ABOUT RULES ON INFERENCE SIDES OF THE ROAD, CASINO M
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Lake Tahoe Basin: 5 things to know before you head to casinos
Harrah’s, Mont Bleu and the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel have officially reopened their doors to casino and hotel guests. While tourists said they’re excited to return to the popular gambling region, some said it’s confusing considering that the casinos are on the border of two states – that are in different stages of reopening.Here’s what you need to know if you’re headed to the casinos at the Nevada-California state line. 1) South Lake Tahoe and casinos are in different statesThe city of South Lake Tahoe is in California. The casinos are in Stateline, Nevada. They are separated by one street and are often considered the same town. However, the rules are very different as California is still under a stay-at-home order and Nevada’s order was lifted on May 15. 2) South Lake Tahoe not enforcing travel ban Officials in the city of South Lake Tahoe said they’re no longer enforcing the travel ban, except in extreme cases. The $1,000 citations they were issuing for violations has been dropped. Officials are not, however, encouraging tourists to visit the region and continue to refer to the state’s order stating that nonessential travel shouldn’t take place.3) Casino floors look different While the games are the same, the casino floors may look a little different. All casino staff is required to wear masks. They will also be sanitizing between games, and there is plenty of signage reminding guests to follow social distancing rules. 4) Number of games reducedThe table games and slot machines have been reduced by about 50%. Tables that previously allowed six players, now have room for only three. And, all games are hands-free.5) Hotel room capacity reducedHotel rooms and restaurants are also open at the casinos. However, the capacity for both has been reduced by about 50%. Despite the travel ban in South Lake Tahoe, KCRA 3 found at least one person who was able to rent a hotel room.

Harrah’s, Mont Bleu and the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel have officially reopened their doors to casino and hotel guests.

While tourists said they’re excited to return to the popular gambling region, some said it’s confusing considering that the casinos are on the border of two states – that are in different stages of reopening.

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Here’s what you need to know if you’re headed to the casinos at the Nevada-California state line.

1) South Lake Tahoe and casinos are in different states

The city of South Lake Tahoe is in California. The casinos are in Stateline, Nevada. They are separated by one street and are often considered the same town.

However, the rules are very different as California is still under a stay-at-home order and Nevada’s order was lifted on May 15.

2) South Lake Tahoe not enforcing travel ban

Officials in the city of South Lake Tahoe said they’re no longer enforcing the travel ban, except in extreme cases.

The $1,000 citations they were issuing for violations has been dropped.

Officials are not, however, encouraging tourists to visit the region and continue to refer to the state’s order stating that nonessential travel shouldn’t take place.

3) Casino floors look different

While the games are the same, the casino floors may look a little different.

All casino staff is required to wear masks. They will also be sanitizing between games, and there is plenty of signage reminding guests to follow social distancing rules.

4) Number of games reduced

The table games and slot machines have been reduced by about 50%.

Tables that previously allowed six players, now have room for only three. And, all games are hands-free.

5) Hotel room capacity reduced

Hotel rooms and restaurants are also open at the casinos. However, the capacity for both has been reduced by about 50%.

Despite the travel ban in South Lake Tahoe, KCRA 3 found at least one person who was able to rent a hotel room.