Regulators keep tabs on gaming measures

Tuesday, May 17, 2005 | 10:51 a.m.

Gaming regulators are keeping a close watch on four bills making their way through the Nevada Legislature, the state's newest Gaming Control Board member said Monday.

Mark Clayton, the Control Board member with oversight over the agency's audit division, told members of the Nevada Society of CPAs that measures modifying the state's live entertainment tax, approving an admission fee to events in casinos under certain circumstances, allowing certain types of wireless gaming devices and establishing funding for problem gambling are still in the legislative hopper as the 2005 session moves toward adjournment.

Clayton was a speaker at the organization's 27th annual gaming conference. About 100 financial experts are attending the two-day event at Wynn Las Vegas.

Clayton, a former Caesars Palace executive, also discussed the board's plans to review the state's anti-money-laundering regulations.

Control Board members indicated they are leaning toward repealing their own rules -- known in the industry as Regulation 6A -- and let federal agents from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and the Internal Revenue Service step in.

Clayton applauded the gaming industry for backing the problem gambling bill.

He said one of the biggest challenges for the board is to keep ahead of technological advances in the industry.

In response to a question from the crowd, Clayton said he doesn't expect any changes in the near future on Internet gambling since the federal government has ruled that online gambling is contrary to federal laws. Clayton explained that the technological advancements under consideration in new state legislation address the use of wireless devices that connect to existing casino systems.