Nevada Regulators Consider Opening High-Limit Salons

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) recently held a regulatory workshop to discuss potential updates to gaming salon regulations—the first significant changes in over two decades. Among the topics discussed, the inclusion of private poker games in high-limit gaming salons stood out as a major proposal. Representatives from Wynn Resorts, MGM Resorts, and Hard Rock International participated in the Dec. 5 workshop, voicing support for reforms that could broaden the appeal and usage of these exclusive spaces.

Ellen Whittemore, Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Wynn Resorts, outlined four key proposals during the workshop:

1. Allow private poker games in gaming salons—a departure from current restrictions.
2. Open unused private salons to the public to maximize their utility.
3. Reconsider the $300,000 credit limit, which currently restricts access.
4. Permit casinos to set minimum wagers for slot machines within gaming salons.

These changes aim to attract a broader demographic of players, including celebrities and affluent individuals like tech millionaires, to Nevada’s casinos. Representatives from MGM Resorts and Hard Rock International backed all of Whittemore’s recommendations, signaling widespread industry support.

 

Poker’s Classification and Its Implications

Currently, poker is classified as a “card game” in Nevada regulations, distinct from “table games” like blackjack or roulette. This classification excludes poker from private gaming salons. However, NGCB regulators indicated that this restriction could be lifted with a simple amendment, provided tax implications are addressed.

Judge George Assad (retired) of the NGCB expressed strong support, stating that poker’s inclusion in private salons would face little regulatory opposition. Assad highlighted Nevada’s lag behind jurisdictions like New Jersey, Monte Carlo, and Macau, where private poker games are already available.

Implementing private poker games in gaming salons would necessitate several regulatory adjustments. For instance:

• The six-hour time limit for private gaming salons would need to be extended, as poker games often last much longer.
• The $300,000 credit limit would require reevaluation, given that poker players typically rely less on credit.

Casino operators see the potential to attract high-stakes players who, while generating limited direct gaming revenue, contribute significantly through ancillary spending on dining, entertainment, and retail. Charlie Stone, Executive Vice President of Casino Operations and Marketing at Wynn Resorts, noted an increasing demand for high-limit poker games.

Nevada’s casinos face growing competition from other gaming hubs like New Jersey, Dubai, and Macau. The proposed changes aim to keep Nevada competitive by offering high-stakes players a private, secure environment to gamble. Judge Assad emphasized that failure to modernize regulations could push high-rollers to other jurisdictions.

 

Casino Operators Poised to Lead

Wynn Resorts, MGM Resorts, and Hard Rock International—the three major operators present at the workshop—are well-positioned to implement private poker games:

• Wynn Las Vegas boasts 19 gaming salons across its two towers.
• MGM Resorts operates 31 salons across properties like Aria, Bellagio, and MGM Grand.
• Hard Rock’s upcoming Guitar Hotel tower, set to open in 2027, will feature at least one salon overlooking the Las Vegas Strip.

Other operators, such as The Venetian and Resorts World Las Vegas, are likely to follow suit. Northern Nevada’s casinos in Reno and Lake Tahoe could also capitalize on this trend, catering to tech executives currently hosting private games in California.

 

Poker’s inclusion in private gaming salons would face little regulatory opposition, addressing Nevada’s lag behind global gaming hubs like Monte Carlo and Macau.

 

Conclusion

The NGCB’s openness to reform signals a potential shift in Nevada’s gaming landscape. While no decisions have been finalized, the proposed changes could redefine how private gaming salons operate, making them more accessible and competitive globally. As regulators and casino operators continue discussions, the stage is set for significant evolution in the state’s high-limit gaming sector.