Curran ends tenure on Nevada Gaming Commission

Friday, July 30, 1999 | 3:04 a.m.

CARSON CITY - Las Vegas lawyer Bill Curran has ended a 10-year career as one of the state's top casino regulators.

As a Nevada Gaming Commission meeting ended Thursday, Curran said he was privileged to serve on the panel - including a record eight years as chairman - and oversee the development of the state's top industry.

"Gaming is the engine that drives Nevada," he said. "I am pleased I have been allowed to play a role in shaping the economy of the state. It was a chance to do what few people are privileged to do."

His career ended on a positive note for him with the commission's approval of regulations designed to stop the spread of slot machines into businesses in residential neighborhoods. Curran and Commissioner Augie Gurrola led the move for the regulations.

Appointed to the commission in 1989 by Democratic Gov. Bob Miller, Curran chose not to seek reappointment. His term as chairman expired in April, but he agreed to remain on the commission until Republican Gov. Kenny Guinn names a new member. That appointment is expected before the next commission meeting.

Guinn earlier named Reno lawyer and former Assemblyman Brian Sandoval as commission chairman.

A state law still prevents Curran personally from representing gambling clients for another year.

"I would not expect I will be representing clients before the commission," he said. "What role I take remains to be seen. If I do any gambling, it would be nickel slots."