Summary:
- The NGCB has discussed recommendations for regulatory changes
- Reforms would reduce regulatory burdens for gaming operators
- Gov. Lombardo ordered executive agencies to remove obsolete rules to boost the state’s economic potential
The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) is considering introducing new changes to gambling regulations, a move that will benefit both the state and the licensed operators.
The agency conducted a workshop this week to discuss a number of proposals on key subjects such as audited financial statements, rates and billing user reports, technology rules, and operations of keno games.
Easing the Burden on Licensees
The workshop was held in compliance with an executive order issued by Governor Joe Lombardo requiring all executive branch agencies to review existing regulations and recommend at least 10 to be removed.
Presiding over the meeting, Gaming Control Board Chairman Kirk Hendrick stated that the main goal of implementing the regulatory changes is to ease the burden on the industry while not compromising the effectiveness of the state’s regulatory framework.
One of the changes put forward during the workshop relates to the recording of progressive amounts by Nevada casino operators. The board recommends that the threshold amount at which operators are exempt from recording a progressive log on a recurring basis be increased from $1,200 to $5,000, with operators allowed to perform the task at least every seven days.
Other areas of regulation that the board is looking to improve include hosting-center registration, internal controls for Group 1 licensees, taxes, accounting for transactions, schedules, and rates and billing user reports.
As to regulations that must be removed, Hendrick said the existing $250,000 cap on keno games must be reviewed. Amendments could be introduced to bring this particular rule into line with those implemented on other progressive machines, he stated.
For board member George Assad, updating the technology regulations must be prioritized, and from there, the board can proceed with removing other outdated regulations such as those in the enforcement and audit divisions.
Nevada Gaming Control Board to Focus on Technology
Other recommendations for removal of regulations relate to the registration and distribution of gaming devices, operation of a system-based gaming device, wagering accounts, employee reports, mandatory disclosure of credit applications, and licensing and operation of a gaming salon.
Hendrick also noted during the workshop that Gov. Lombardo specifically wants the board to pay more attention to technology and how it can accelerate the licensing process.
Gov. Lombardo signed the executive order back in January to minimize regulatory burdens. In his order, Gov. Lombardo stated that Nevada’s regulatory structure contains rules that are either obsolete or unnecessarily onerous, limiting the state’s economic potential.
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