Gambling regulators approve plan to limit slot machines

Angie Wagner

Thursday, July 29, 1999 | 11:52 a.m.

Walk into any grocery store in Las Vegas and you can stuff a few quarters in the slot machines. That's fine with state gambling regulators, but they want to make sure the local Laundromat doesn't start offering video poker.

The Nevada Gaming Commission on Thursday approved a plan that would limit slot machines in non-casino locations, make grocery stores and drug stores segregate gamblers from shoppers in alcoves and prohibit automated teller machines within the gambling area.

"It is time for us to show some restraint - to hold in the reins," said Commissioner Augie Gurrola. "We need to remember that gaming in Nevada is a privilege."

Show some restraint in a state whose livelihood is the gambling industry?

It may sound strange, but gambling regulators have been working on the new rules, which take effect Feb. 1, 2000, for two years. They want to make sure small businesses don't depend on gambling exclusively for their income.

"Nevada is trying to pull back to make sure we have control," Gurrola said. "We're just trying to put our arms around it."

Major casinos favor the restrictions, but businesses with a few slot machines don't like the rules.

Bud Hicks, representing the Nevada Retail Gaming Association, said the rules were unfair to small businesses.

"The industry needs a clear statement of purpose and of fact," he said.

In other action, the commission accepted a settlement agreement with John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks. The casino paid a $250,000 fine to settle a complaint by state gambling regulators involving illegal sports bets over the last six football seasons.