Nevada regulators cautioned over igaming

A cross-section of Nevada gaming operators has voiced opposition to expanding the state’s online gaming regulations, according to The Nevada Independent.

In a four-page letter sent last week to the chairmen of the Nevada Gaming Control Board and Nevada Gaming Commission, nearly 30 small casino owners, tavern operators and CEOs outlined reasons they believe online gaming would damage their business operations.

The proposed changes should be explored by the governor’s Gaming Policy Committee and ultimately approved by state lawmakers, the cohort said. 

Red Rock Resorts CEO Frank Fertitta III and vice chairman Lorenzo Fertitta, whose company operates the Station Casinos properties throughout the Las Vegas Valley, signed the letter. Other signatures on the letter included downtown Las Vegas casino operators Derek Stevens (Circa Casino Resort, D Las Vegas, and Golden Gate), Kenny Epstein (El Cortez), Jonathan Jossel (Plaza), and Golden Entertainment CEO Blake Sartini. Northern Nevada casino operators Anthony Marnell III (Nugget Casino Resort), Ferenc Szony (Truckee Gaming), Jeff Siri (Club Cal Neva), Rob Mederios (Boomtown), J Grant Lincoln (Baldini’s) and John Farahi (Monarch Casino Resort), were also among the signers.

The state’s largest casino operators – MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas Sands and Boyd Gaming – were not represented in the letter.