Nevada gambling operators have been waiting patiently to get back to work and begin accepting guests again. The Covid-19 pandemic has meant for everyone’s safety, large resorts and small slot rooms have had to stay closed. Now, as most are hoping to reopen in the next week, massive protests and the presence of the National Guard have shone a new light on the entire affair.

In response to the death of George Floyd, which sparked massive protests across the U.S., the Nevada Resort Association, joined by MGM Resorts International acting CEO Bill Hornbuckle and Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddox, put out statements decrying racism. Hornbuckle wrote:

“The devastating events and destructive scenes unfolding around our nation are gut wrenching to observe. They fill us with pain and sadness, fear and anger and they renew our proven commitment as an organization to stand for equality and respect for all humanity. We unequivocally reject racism, in any form.”

“The Wynn family is made up of every race, color and creed — representing the very best of Las Vegas and Boston,” Maddox said.