Private gambling salon bill advances in Senate

Tuesday, April 10, 2001 | 11:02 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A bill that would permit casinos to set aside exclusive gaming areas for ultra high-rollers has been approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

With the emergence of Indian gambling in California, Sen. Jon Porter, D-Henderson said, "We need to find ways to expand our gaming base."

Senate Bill 283 is sought by major Strip hotel-casinos to lure international players who can win or lose millions of dollars during a visit but want to keep their gambling habits a secret.

The casino would have to obtain a separate license from the state, could set up a private room and would be allowed to admit only those who meet a financial requirement.

There was testimony from casino executives earlier this month that there might be only a few hundred of these individuals who frequent clubs in other countries that accommodate their privacy wishes. These rooms would be monitored by closed circuit television and state gaming agents would be permitted in to observe.

Currently, all gaming areas must be open to the public.

Sen. Terry Care, D-Las Vegas, said the public is entitled to know what is going on.

The bill is expected to be voted on by the full Senate early next week.

If enacted into law, the state Gaming Commission would set the regulations on how these special private clubs must be operated.