Bernhard presided over era of change
Longtime Nevada Gaming Commission Chairman Peter Bernhard, who has overseen the casino industry’s regulatory panel for nearly 13 years, has resigned. He will be replaced by Las Vegas physician Tony Alamo Jr., a member of the commission since 2008.
Governor Brian Sandoval has tapped former Southern Nevada Water Authority General Manager Pat Mulroy, who retired in February, to complete the last 10 months of Bernhard’s term.
Before joining the gaming commission in 2008, Alamo spent seven years with the Nevada Athletic Commission, reported the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “Having grown up in Las Vegas, I understand the importance of this position and the importance of the gaming industry,” Alamo said. “My regulatory experience, as well as the last six years working with fellow commissioners, has given me the knowledge and ability to help lead the commission.”
Bernhard, an attorney who took the position in 2001, held the role longer than any previous chairman. He could have waited until the middle of 2015 legislative session to step down, but opted for an early out so the new chairman could help Gaming Control Board Chairman A.G. Burnett develop the agency’s legislative agenda. “The new chairman needs to be involved in the bill drafting process,” Bernhard said. “There was never really a right or wrong time to do this.”
Bernhard said Alamo was a prime choice because “he’s younger, he understands social media, and he was ready and willing to serve.” Alamo, 50, whose father was a longtime casino industry executive, is the first non-attorney to head the part-time panel that meets each month to rule on recommendations made by the full-time Gaming Control Board.
Bernhard’s tenure was marked by dramatic changes in the casino industry and the overall economy. He was there during the economic downturn that followed 9/11, the resurgence that followed the downturn and set the stage for the Great Recession, the slow recovery, the rapid expansion of commercial gaming across the U.S., and new innovations such as online gaming.
“Pete has served the commission with great distinction for over 12 years, and his unmatched knowledge and expertise will be sorely missed,” Sandoval said in a statement. He added that Alamo’s “background and experience chairing several state commissions will ensure a smooth transition for the Gaming Commission and its effective regulation of the gaming industry.”
Mulroy headed the Water Authority since 1993 and was general manager of the Las Vegas Valley Water District from 1989 until she retired. Sandoval said he was “confident that she will make a great addition and bring a unique perspective to the commission.”
