New Nevada casino regulator seated

Friday, Aug. 27, 2004 | 10:36 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The state Gaming Commission took things out of order Thursday so its new commissioner John Moran could sit at the meeting.

Gov. Kenny Guinn announced the appointment of Moran to the Gaming Commission on June 25 to succeed Augie Gurrola. A spokesman for the governor said he did not know Moran had a state gaming license at that time.

Nevada law says "no person actively engaged or having a direct pecuniary interest in gaming activities shall be a member of the commission."

Moran has 10 percent interest in Green Horizons Group that has slot machines at five convenience stores in Henderson.

It wasn't until nearly a month after the announced appointment -- July 22 -- that Moran filed his application to sell his interest to Donald G. Andress.

The four members of the commission Thursday approved the Moran sale as among the first items and he then took his seat for the rest of the meeting.

In other developments:

Moon said the regulation requires a $500,000 line of credit. That could be lowered to attract more players. And he said a second player, who may be a friend of the high-roller, is required to make a $500 bet. That could be reduced, he said. Since 9/11 there has been a downturn in customers from foreign nations. "It is more difficult to get a visa to come to America," Moon said.

The state in the past had worried about gambling in private rooms. But commissioners said with new technology and surveillance systems, there isn't any cheating. Marshall said many of the high-end players want privacy.