Nevada Gaming Board Considers Modernizing High-Roller Salon Regulations

The current regulations, established in 2001, mandate that patrons must maintain either a $300,000 deposit, an equivalent credit line, or a combination thereof to access private gaming salons. Additional restrictions include a $500 minimum bet requirement for slot machines and a six-hour gaming limit for guests when the primary patron is absent.

Ellen Whittemore, Executive Vice President of Wynn Resorts, emphasized the critical role of private salons in maintaining Nevada’s status as a premier gaming destination. Wynn Resorts proposed several modifications, including allowing salons to transition between private and public gaming spaces, incorporating poker facilities, reconsidering credit minimums, and permitting operators to set their own slot-betting minimums.

MGM Resorts, represented by Vice President and Legal Counsel Chandler Pohl, advocated for more substantial changes, suggesting the elimination of financial requirements entirely. The company emphasized the importance of accommodating high-value clients and celebrities who require privacy, without imposing excessive financial constraints.

This is going back to, how do we best cater to these customers, and how do we give them the privacy and security that we as a licensee would like to provide them and what we think is necessary to not cause public scenes on our gaming floors?

Chandler Pohl

Joe Lupo, president of the forthcoming Hard Rock Las Vegas, and Virginia Valentine, president and CEO of the Nevada Resort Association, both stressed the importance of regulatory innovation to maintain Nevada’s competitive edge in the gaming industry. Valentine particularly noted that current financial requirements may be overly restrictive for properties outside Las Vegas, emphasizing that salon gaming requirements should reflect market variations across different regions and seasons.

The workshop marks the beginning of the revision process, with any proposed regulatory changes requiring subsequent approval from both the board and the Nevada Gaming Commission. Implementation of new regulations is not expected until 2025 or later.

This strategic review reflects Nevada’s ongoing efforts to adapt its regulatory framework to evolving market conditions while maintaining its position as a leading gaming destination.