Nevada Gaming Control Board Proposes Regulation To Deny Jackpot Payments To Banned Gamblers

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) is working on clarifying who’s eligible to win at Nevada casinos. CDC Gaming Reports reported that the regulatory body is considering a proposal that would prevent the properties from paying out jackpots to individuals who have been barred from their premises.

The proposed regulation aims to give casinos the authority to halt payments on jackpots if a player has previously been ejected and warned not to return. This policy would also extend to those listed in the infamous “Black Book,” a registry of individuals prohibited from entering any casino in the state due to past infractions or misconduct.

The NGCB may present this matter at an upcoming meeting, where it could gather input from stakeholders in the gaming industry before taking a formal vote. However, specific details regarding the timing of the next discussion have yet to be announced. The board holds regular meetings once a month, but didn’t indicate whether it would include the subject on its October agenda.

It’s also possible the regulator sidesteps the issue in its entirety. Board Chair Kirk Hendrick said that the heavy workload facing NGCB hearing examiners has become unmanageable. He suggested that the state legislature may need to address the issue, as the current staff is insufficient to manage cases involving trespassers who present multiple versions of events surrounding their actions and the notifications they receive.

Catalyst for change

This initiative follows a contentious split vote last year that mandated CasaBlanca Resort in Mesquite pay $2,045 to a slot player who had been banned from its property. The decision ignited heated debates among industry representatives during an October 2023 workshop. Many voiced their belief that individuals who are trespassing should not be entitled to winnings, regardless of their luck at the machines.

In light of these discussions, NGCB staff members have been working on crafting regulations that address these concerns while balancing fairness for players. Under the new proposal, casinos would not be required to repay any losses incurred by banned players prior to hitting a jackpot; however, they would still need to return the wager placed on the winning spin.

To ensure transparency and compliance with this new regulation, properties would be mandated to post clear notices at their entrances and on their websites outlining this policy as part of their house rules. Interestingly, there is some debate about whether signage at entrances should remain part of the final draft; this detail remains under consideration as discussions progress.

My rights versus yours

Dick Tomasso, director of security at CasaBlanca owner Mesquite Gaming, expressed his support for this proposal while noting some reservations regarding specific wording within the amendment. Although he refrained from disclosing his exact concerns, he emphasized that more information will be shared as deliberations continue.

Supporters argue that allowing casinos discretion over jackpot payouts reinforces property rights and enhances security measures within gaming establishments.

Critics of the proposal raise concerns about fairness and potential discrimination against gamblers who may have made mistakes but are otherwise law-abiding citizens. They argue that all players should have equal access to winnings regardless of past actions unless they are currently engaged in illegal activities or violations.