Ellis Island refused agents, faces fine

Tuesday, July 2, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The Ellis Island casino in Las Vegas is in a heap of trouble after one of its executives repeatedly barred state agents from entering the counting room where the gaming win is tabulated.

A complaint filed last week by the State Gaming Control Board says agents appeared at the casino at 4178 Koval Lane on March 20 to conduct an audit. The agents showed their badges and a letter of authorization to allow them in the counting room.

Casino controller Ken Kirkpatrick, who was in the counting room, was informed the agents were waiting to be admitted. But he refused access after three requests were made.

Kirkpatrick also refused to talk to the agents over the telephone. At one point a security guard inside the count room appeared at the window. One agent held up her badge and the guard retreated from the window.

Slot manager Robert Richards was then contacted and he telephoned Kirkpatrick asking him to open the door. Kirkpatrick again refused.

Richards then went to the count room and pounded on the door to gain admission. Kirkpatrick again refused. Richards finally obtained a key and opened the door. Kirkpatrick at that point "postured in the doorway" but then stepped back, allowing the agents to enter, the complaint said.

The complaint says this is an unsuitable method of operation and it asks the Nevada Gaming Commission to impose a fine.

Kirkpatrick, contacted this morning, declined to comment.

The casino, owned by Gary Ellis, has 20 days to file an answer and request a hearing on the complaint. Ellis could not be reached for comment.