- The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas has received approval from the Nevada Gaming Control Board to increase casino capacity to 100%.
- The Cosmopolitan has reached an 80% vaccination rate among their active workforce.
- In addition, the property will be able to remove plastic barriers at slot machines and table games.
Nothing like a bit of ‘peer pressure’ to get companies to do the right thing–and particularly when it will have a positive impact on the bottom line. Earlier today, we reported that the Wynn Resorts properties in Las Vegas had received approval from the Nevada Gaming Control Board to increase casino capacity to 100% due to their success at vaccinating employees. They’ve now been joined by The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas which has received similar approval for hitting an 80% vaccination rate.
The Cosmopolitan implemented a ‘get vaccinated or get tested’ policy similar to that done at Wynn Resorts. Unlike the Wynn, they opted for a ‘carrot and stick’ approach offering over $1 million in cash bonuses to vaccinated employees. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, an 80% vaccination rate equals a $250 cash bonus, 90% would be $350 and 100% would be $500. To no surprise, this has significantly boosted the property’s vaccination rate. I’ve already been vaccinated but if you offered me $250 I’d definitely get vaccinated again. If the property reaches 85% vaccination rate by May 8 all vaccinated workers will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win $10,000 USD.
William McBeath, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, praised his employees for doing what is in the best interest of their company and the entire city:
“We believe the only clear path to normalcy and bringing our entire workforce back is through vaccinations. It’s pertinent to not only The Cosmopolitan, but to our entire industry in ensuring travel can safely return to the destination. I could not be more proud of our team for doing their part to protect our city.”
J. Brin Gibson, Chair of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, also added kudos and called on other Strip resorts to up their vaccination game:
“The Cosmopolitan demonstrated substantial efforts to vaccinate its workforce and have set an industry standard in what can be accomplished through smart and swift action. As a result, The Cosmopolitan is one of few Las Vegas gaming properties to receive approval to return to full capacity due to its overwhelming employee response, and we’ve asked them to share their methodology, strategy and success with the wider hospitality industry. We look forward to seeing all resort partners across The Strip continue the momentum.”
Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak also praised the Cosmopolitan for their strong vaccination effort:
“Since the start of our vaccination efforts, we have made it a goal to increase access and work toward equity, which meant we had to ensure Nevada’s largest and most diverse workforce was prioritized and had as much access to the COVID-19 vaccine as possible. I am grateful to strong partnerships across the industry to bring the vaccine to workers and their families. Congratulations to The Cosmopolitan team on this achievement and for taking a creative approach to incentivize health and safety within their workforce. I look forward to continued efforts to ensure all Nevadans who want the vaccine have access.”
Statewide, approximately 46% of Nevadans 16 and older have received at least one vaccination. 29.12% of the state has been fully vaccinated ranking #38 among 50 states and the District of Columbia.
