NLV casino manager says sale not final

Wednesday, May 10, 2000 | 10:20 a.m.

SUN STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

A group that recently assumed controlling interest of the Silver Club Hotel-Casino in Sparks has entered into an agreement to buy two small North Las Vegas casinos, the Reno Gazette-Journal reported.

Harold Holder Sr., chief executive of the Holder Group LLC, said Monday he is buying the Silver Nugget and the Opera House Casino from Gary Mahoney.

Both properties are on Las Vegas Boulevard North, north of downtown.

However, Silver Nugget Assistant Manager Donna Galbo said Tuesday the deal was not finalized and declined to comment further.

Holder told the Gazette-Journal the purchase price is not being disclosed, and said the deal is expected to close in late-2000, pending regulatory approval.

The 19.5-acre Silver Nugget property, which Mahoney took over in 1990, includes about 400 slot machines, five table games, a restaurant, 24-lane bowling center, an auditorium and a 148-space RV park.

The Opera House, which Mahoney took over in 1987, has about 300 slots, three table games and a restaurant on a half-acre.

Holder told the Gazette-Journal he envisions installing a manager to oversee both properties "but for the most part, we will try not to disrupt the organization at all down there."

In November, the Holder Group took control of 94.6 percent of the company that operates the Silver Club in Sparks and El Capitan Lodge and Casino in Hawthorne, Calif.