Nevada Introduces Changes to Gaming Salon Regulations, Despite Loophole Concerns

The Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) has approved minor amendments to the local gaming salon regulations, despite one member’s concerns that this could create a potential loophole. The changes effectively restrict previously introduced regulations to gamblers only. Non-Gamblers Will No Longer Have to Undergo a Login Process The update adds the word “wagering” twice to Regulation 5.200, which concerns how gaming salons operate. Last year, the NGC approved a regulation that requires all salon patrons to log in before being allowed to enter. However, the NGC acknowledged that this created too much hassle and has now decided to restrict this rule to wagering guests only. John Michela, senior deputy attorney general at the Nevada AG’s office, said that while the industry did not protest the introduction of the login requirement, its application proved to be “somewhat burdensome.” Thus, after a year of playing by these rules, the industry asked the requirement to be toned down. As a result, it will now only apply to wagering guests and not all guests. One Member Suggested the Change Crates a Loophole Not everyone agreed with the change. Despite eventually voting in favor of it, Commissioner George Markantonis was initially opposed, saying that it could create a potential loophole. He was concerned that narrowing down the login requirements to bettors only means that there will be people entering gaming salons despite being unknown to the casino staff. While Michela acknowledged Markantonis’s concerns, the former man also pointed out that only a year ago there were no login requirements whatsoever. Michela also highlighted the fact that this was a new regulation that might have gone a bit too far, which is why the industry asked regulators to step it back a bit. Virginia Valentine, president and CEO of the Nevada Resort Association, also chimed in, saying that private gaming salons already have high security and surveillance. In any case, she agreed that the login requirements for wagering guests must remain in place. In other news, JP Morgan’s Daniel Politzer recently commented on the slowdown of Las Vegas’ business recovery. According to him, this was due to weaker room rates and renewed pressure on gaming stocks, as MGM and Wynn face significant investor concerns. Last month, the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) approved a settlement with The Venetian Resort Las Vegas with a 3-0 vote. As a result, the casino resort was required to pay $7.2 million for allowing an illegal bookmaker to wager with impunity.