Nevada Considers Overhaul of Private High-Roller Gaming Rules
Nevada’s gaming regulators are evaluating potential updates to the rules governing private gaming salons, which have catered to high-stakes gamblers since their legalisation in 2001.
At a recent Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) workshop, industry leaders proposed changes to modernise these 23-year-old regulations. While no amendments have been drafted yet, any updates would require approval from both the NGCB and the Nevada Gaming Commission before implementation.
Current Regulations and Industry Concerns
Private gaming salons are currently bound by strict rules. Patrons must meet a $300,000 financial threshold, which can be in the form of a deposit, a credit line, or a combination of the two. Slot machines in these exclusive areas require a minimum bet of $500 per spin, and if the primary patron leaves, accompanying guests can only continue playing for up to six hours.
Industry representatives argue that these requirements are outdated and hinder Nevada’s competitiveness. Ellen Whittemore, executive vice president at Wynn Resorts, described private salons as essential to attracting affluent gamblers and called for updates to ensure Nevada remains a global leader in high-stakes gaming.
Proposed Changes
Whittemore proposed several key revisions during the workshop:
- Allowing private salons to operate as public spaces with proper signage.
- Permitting poker games in private gaming areas.
- Adjusting financial thresholds and playtime restrictions for secondary guests.
- Granting operators flexibility to set slot machine minimum bets.
She emphasised the revenue potential of poker, stating that “there is nothing in the statute or regulations that prohibits card games in private salons.”
MGM Resorts echoed this perspective, advocating for the removal of financial thresholds entirely. Their legal counsel, Chandler Pohl, proposed that operators be allowed to determine their own requirements and requested permission to offer standalone slot machines in private salons, independent of table games.
Preserving Nevada’s Global Reputation
Joe Lupo, president of Hard Rock Las Vegas, and Virginia Valentine, president of the Nevada Resort Association, highlighted the need for these changes to maintain Nevada’s position as a top-tier gaming destination. Lupo framed the discussion as a matter of improving customer service, while Valentine noted that the financial thresholds impact gaming venues across the state, including northern Nevada, where restrictions are particularly burdensome.
The workshop is just the beginning of a comprehensive revision process. Any proposed changes will undergo further review before being finalised. No timeline for implementation has been set.
These discussions reflect the gaming industry’s broader push to adapt to evolving market demands and ensure Nevada retains its competitive edge in attracting high-value clients.
