Four properties face fines from Nevada Gaming Control Board for improper COVID-19 operation

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has completed 10,135 inspections and opened 156 regulatory cases since gaming properties were able to reopen on June 4 after they were closed for over two months. All have been related to non-compliance with the Board’s Health and Safety Policies issued on May 28. To date, they have alleged findings against four licensees

“The Board has continued to work around the clock with its partners at other state agencies and local jurisdictions to achieve its statewide mission of protecting the health and welfare of the general public at licensed gaming establishments by enforcing its Health and Safety Policies, as well as the Emergency Directives issued by the Office of the Governor,” said James Taylor, Chief of Enforcement.

The four licesees found to not be in compliance with the health directives are Bowl Incline in Incline Village, C.O.D. Casino in Minden, Hotel Nevada & Gambling Hall in Ely, and Cheers in Winnemucca. There are about 300 inspectors for NGCB statewide, 450 non-restricted gambling licensees, and almost 2,000 restricted licensees with 15 or fewer slot machines like bars, gas stations and supermarkets.

A GCB agent allegedly observed the following alleged violations at the four casinos and operators:

Bowl Incline - On July 11, bar top slots machines were in operation with chairs at every other machine.

Cheers - On July 16, six bartop slot machines were still in operation. All were shut down on July 17 at 11:30 a.m.

Hotel Nevada & Gambling Hall - On July 17, an agent noticed three employees and at least three patrons either without face coverings or improper use of them, and no staff asked any to wear them. The agent spoke with management and returned on July 22 where they found four patrons without facecoverings, but as the agent was taking pictures staff approached them to ask them to put them on.

C.O.D. Casino - The complaint says that on July 7. a NGCB agent received a call from casino management, asking for clarification of the rules where a mask must be worn unless taking a sip of a cocktail or a puff of a cigarette. On July 15 an anonymous complaint was received, saying the rules were not being followed in the C.O.D. smoking area. On July 15 the agent visited the casino and observed a total of six patrons either not wearing masks or wearing them improperly, according to the complaint document. On July 22, the agent says key management was interacting with each other and not wearing masks correctly.

All face fines and or other disciplinary action from NGCB.

The remaining open investigations details cannot be released until formal complaints are filed. Any information prepared or obtained by the Board relating to a licensee’s compliance with the Health and Safety Policies is confidential.