Where I Stand — Brian Sandoval: Quality gaming control

Thursday, Aug. 24, 2000 | 9:32 a.m.

As chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission, I believe that Nevada must have strict gaming regulatory controls that include consideration of Nevada's families and their quality of life. At the same time, it is important to foster a business environment that allows for continued innovation by the gaming industry and economic prosperity for our state.

The primary responsibilities of the Nevada Gaming Commission are to make the final decisions on the licensure of gaming applicants, adoption of regulations and imposition of penalties for violations of gaming laws. The commission works closely with the Nevada Gaming Control Board, which is responsible for investigating applicants, enforcing gaming laws and collecting gaming taxes.

While I am a regulator, I also am the father of two small children. In addition, I was raised and educated in Nevada, and served two terms in the Nevada Legislature. I have visited every part of the state, and I work hard to be sensitive to the concerns of all our citizens.

In the last 18 months the commission has encountered several difficult policy issues that have a considerable impact for not only the gaming industry but also for all Nevadans. The commission's decisions have been mindful of the past, present and future of the state.

* Technology and its application to gaming caused a concern that some of the new video-style games, which included cartoon and comic book themes, might appeal to children. As a result, the commission adopted landmark regulations that prohibit the use of any theme that is based on a product that is currently and primarily intended or marketed for use by persons under 21 years of age.

The commission is also concerned about the spread of gaming in neighborhoods and its proximity to children. For these reasons, the commission adopted regulations that require new grocery and drug stores to install their gaming devices in alcoves away from children. In addition, gaming in nontraditional locations, such as laundromats, car washes and snack shops, is now restricted.

* Wagering on sporting events is another significant issue. The commission continually refines gaming regulations to protect the integrity of these events and the athletes who participate in them. For example, the commission recently amended its regulations to increase licensing standards for sports book employees, require large bettors to submit extensive personal information prior to making a wager and prohibit persons from placing wagers for others for profit.

Congress is currently considering a bill that seeks to prohibit legal wagering on college sporting events in Nevada to address the epidemic of illegal betting on these events across the United States. This legislation is poorly conceived because it will remove Nevada gaming regulators from the process and give illegal bookmakers complete control of betting on college sporting events.

This fall the commission will also consider removing the regulation that prohibits wagering on UNR and UNLV sporting events. This regulation was adopted 40 years ago when the Nevada gaming regulatory system was in its infancy and the population of the state was small.

Nevada's growth, our modern gaming regulatory system and technology have caused the regulation to be unnecessary. In addition, the removal of the regulation will help protect Nevada athletes from illegal betting that occurs on their games on the Internet and at offshore sports books.

* Internet gaming is a new development that combines several difficult policy and regulatory issues. Nevada must be progressive in its ability to police and monitor Internet gaming, and gaming regulators should know as much about it as possible. For this reason, the commission recently held an informational seminar on the issue that included presentations from internationally recognized Internet gaming experts and prosecutors.

The Nevada Gaming Commission is dedicated to preserving and improving the success of the Nevada gaming regulatory system. Through hard work, integrity and diligence, Nevada will continue to be the global leader in gaming as well as a quality place to raise a family.