Although this year in Nevada’s legislature the casino industry has not been the main focus, there are several bills out there, which could dramatically shape the industry’s landscape for years to come. This session’s main debate has revolved around education funding, and how it can be done. Governor Brian Sandoval has proposed an expansion of the business license fee.
Nevada Resort Association President Virginia Valentine noted 58 percent of all business taxes collected by the state would be paid by the gaming industry. “These are our employees in the industry, and we have an interest in seeing that education is properly funded,” she said.
As far as gaming is concerned, there are several bills in legislature being looked at. One of the biggest in the history of slot design is the highly anticipated Senate Bill 9, which would allow for more skill in casino games. The bill, if passed, would allow for slot machines to play much like video games.
Sports bettors all over have a vested interest in Senate Bill 443, which would allow for business entities to place wagers at sports books. The bill has been heard by the Assembly Judiciary Committee. A gaming regulation bill, Assembly Bill 40, would allow for the Gaming Control Board to be exempt from holding all meetings open to the public. It would also change the name of the board from the State Gaming Control Board to Nevada Gaming Control Board.
Nightclub employees would be forced to go through the same process as casino dealers by registering with state gaming regulators, if Senate Bill 38 passes. The hope with this bill is to make it nearly impossible for problematic nightclub employees to be hired in other establishments upon being fired for detrimental behavior.
