Las Vegas, as well as other cities, will soon resume their major source of income.

Nevada has nearly finished the first phase of their economic reopening plan, with phase two to commence on Friday, May 29. The gaming industry, a major income stream for many Nevadan cities, not the least of which being Las Vegas, was shut down two months ago as the pandemic ramped up. One of the first priorities of phase two is getting that industry going again, which means opening the casinos.

The first batch of casinos will reopen their doors and light their slots next Thursday, June 4. Among these casinos are high-profile resorts owned by Las Vegas entertainment giant MGM Resorts. The reopening MGM casinos include the Bellagio, the New York-New York, the MGM Grand, and The Signature. Several casinos large and small around the state are also planning to launch discounts and promotions to entice customers.

“Some casinos are offering free parking; others have done away with resort fees. Resorts have even been offering steep discounts on rooms,” according to Nevada Public Radio.

Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman has been calling for the city to reopen for the past month, claiming that the pandemic closures have put Las Vegas in “a unique economic crisis.” She insisted that Las Vegas be the first city to reopen its casinos, claiming that “competition would ultimately determine which were safest to visit and that only establishments with the most infections should be forced to close down.”

During phase two of reopening, most major commerce locations will only be open at 50% capacity, and all visitors will be required to follow safety and sanitary protocols. As long as these protocols are followed, gatherings of up to 50 people will be permitted. “It’s very simple: When you are out in public, wear a mask or face covering, practice social distancing, and wash your hands,” Governor Steve Sisolak said.