LV casino fined over private party

Friday, Oct. 2, 1998 | 11:51 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Roadrunner Casino Sahara in Las Vegas has agreed to pay a $15,000 fine for violating state regulations by holding a private party and restricting public access to the slot machines.

The casino, 2839 W. Sahara Ave., agreed Thursday to a settle a complaint filed by the state Gaming Control Board that it failed to receive a special event permit for the private party and that a black man and a black woman, who were members of the general public, were stopped from playing the slots.

In the stipulation, Roadrunner Casino Sahara agreed it wrongfully restricted access but at no time was there any intention to exclude persons based on their race or color. The casino also admitted its bartender did not have a work permit. But it denied the allegation that its manager Christopher Skochenko lied to gaming agents when he was questioned about his work permit and the license of the business.

Owners of the casino are Michael F. Corrigan, Adam B. Corrigan and Sean P. Corrigan, each with 33 1/3 percent. They agreed to settle the case rather than fighting it at a disciplinary hearing.

The settlement will be presented to the state Gaming Commission in October for a final decision.

Separately, the black couple sued the casino in April alleging they were excluded from the business because of their race -- a charge denied by the Roadrunner.