D
ue to the fast-spreading Caldor Fire, operators of the four major casinos in South Lake Tahoe began closing portions of their gaming floors on Monday, after evacuations going from California all the way up to the Nevada border.
Two of the casinos, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe and Harveys, are operated by Caesars Entertainment. Hard Rock Lake Tahoe is operated by Las Vegas-based Paragon Gaming, and Montbleu Casino Resort by Rhode Island-based Bally’s Corp.
Governor Steve Sisolak declared an emergency order in Nevada in response to the fire, anticipating that it will cross from California into Nevada in the coming days.
The business disruption comes as the Lake Tahoe resorts were getting ready for the Labor Day weekend holiday. Several properties canceled entertainment last weekend as the fire grew in California.
According to The Nevada Independent, Gaming Control Board Audit Division Chief, Kelly Colvin, said that many of the employees are California residents and had already left the properties “to take care of matters related to the evacuation of their homes”.
He also added that the Control Board was notified on Monday afternoon that some casino operators were shutting down certain gaming operations. “I’d presume this will escalate over the coming minutes and hours”, he noted.
“Montbleu Resort Casino has not been evacuated and is currently housing evacuees, team members and firefighters”, explained Tim Tretton, property general manager. “Our hotel, casino and to-go restaurant are open at this time. We continue to support the community and work closely with the fire chief”.
As reported by the publication, in a statement provided by a spokeswoman, Hard Rock Lake Tahoe officials said, “We are thankful for the many firefighters and first responders who are working tirelessly to protect our team members, our homes, family, friends and the natural resources of the South Shore of Lake Tahoe. We continue to monitor the situation and are in close contact with the local, state and federal government”.
Caesars is dealing with closures of several casinos in Louisiana and Mississippi due to Hurricane Ida, including Harrah’s New Orleans and Harrah’s Gulf Coast in Biloxi.
In a statement, Caesars Entertainment said, “while Harrah’s and Harveys Lake Tahoe are not currently under mandatory evacuation orders, we recognize that the situation is rapidly evolving, and we are in constant contact with local officials to ensure that we are prepared”.
The company said the properties were operating “and actively supporting local emergency services, fire crews and displaced team members”.
