Legislator proposes private gaming salons in Nevada

Thursday, March 8, 2001 | 11:06 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A bill allowing Nevada casinos to have "international gaming salons" to cater to high rollers who don't want to mingle with the masses has been introduced in the Senate.

Sen. Mark James, R-Las Vegas, said the bill comes from the Nevada Resort Association, which wants to change the present law that requires all gambling must be accessible to any adult. "They want to have an invitation-only type of a place," said James, whose Judiciary Committee sponsored Senate Bill 283 Wednesday.

Bob Faiss, Las Vegas attorney for MGM MIRAGE, said that,"although Nevada is recognized as the most attractive and important casino jurisdiction in the world, its major gaming resorts operate at a disadvantage in the competition for premier international patrons."

"There are a limited number of these patrons whose fortunes and interests in gaming as recreation result in wagers in tens of thousands of dollars a hand. These patrons are accustomed to the highest standards of hospitality, including security and privacy during their gaming activities," Faiss said.

There are gaming parlors now near the casino floor, but the public must have access even though the table is reserved for high-end players.

Alfredo Alonso, a lobbyist for the Nevada Resort Association, said, "Guys are dropping a ton of money in other jurisdictions such as Europe and the Caribbean," and this would help draw them to Nevada. These are very private people, he said, adding the salon would give security, which is desired by these individuals.

"Maybe 100 people or more might fit this category,"

Many Nevada casinos provide special amenities, such as free suites, food, and other benefits to lure high rollers. But this would take it to another level.

James said "Most of the market the gaming industry is after is the high rollers who don't like to sit in the middle of casino and gamble. The Nevada casinos say they have been handicapped by the regulation that requires all gambling areas be accessible by anybody."

The bill says a casino must apply to the state Gaming Control Board and pay a $5,000 non-refundable fee for a license to operate the salon. Entrance to the salon would be "based upon the financial criteria of a patron," the bill says.

But entry cannot be restricted because of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, age or sex.

The state Gaming Commission would set the regulations for these salons including security, the games offered and the minimum bets. The bill said games must be offered in this salon and slot machines may be available. But the minimum wager on a slot machine would be $500.