Committee OKs special casino fee

Thursday, April 14, 2005 | 10:39 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- The Senate Judiciary Committee today approved a bill to allow casinos to charge an entry fee to such events as swimming pool parties where there would be slot machines or table games.

Assembly Bill 444, which goes to the floor of the Senate, provides a casino must first get approval from the chairman of the state Gaming Control Board before it can start charging the fee.

Casinos currently cannot charge for admission to gaming areas.

Jim Hughes, general manager of the Palms Casino Resort, told the committee earlier this week the bill would permit an admission fee where there is entertainment. He said the fee would be "reasonable."

Sen. Terry Care, D-Las Vegas, said he did not want to see the general public kept out and the area restricted only to high rollers who could afford a big entry fee.

Hughes said the bill is to "drive the masses through the project. It is not restricted to high rollers."

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