[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6529232,"mediaKeyId","3805076-fb94e0c0d194f8fe67aebdad4cc60e91","parentId",3805076,"title","Board revokes trainer's license, fines $100,000 and bars him after methamphetamine positives in four racehorses","audioSeconds",3450,"startMs",14280000,"endMs",17730000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3805076-fb94e0c0d194f8fe67aebdad4cc60e91&start=14280&end=17730","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3805076-fb94e0c0d194f8fe67aebdad4cc60e91/thumbnail_14280000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6529232/Nevada/Board-revokes-trainers-license-fines-100000-and-bars-him-after-methamphetamine-positives-in-four-racehorses","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6529232-b5ed9c8d2ef726273c1996cc75bed505/orig.mp4?Expires=1770532431&Signature=cDOgDDuOs-4QzdK2nBDAjk2jVUpcG3bCIOOQE7C0yfgcxVU613unofceWdpuW19fBBjBvcYMa0MS~YQEiXceveAR~-O7oF5uqYAKNH46kg8jnDZiQVyJOLx-Gfgs-STF99B9KTPmq4YoRj15QWg6frd6jGJx4tMsSMPygCgwUPv5BFFb~3xeNepNBp~M1ZhTvtskEthbexA3~2OjYNKRTqeBXD0fdZ5lDkks9U6RbIhXaQ-zlphqe0LjlvTlpVVF9bjQ-cXzOnqEuDTL~DIzIVuednheODmucdMF9NfS5Fi5vcElVlrzfdT7zXPFJfc2KvKNMzQutcUp1w0L4lIIyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Nevada Gaming Control Board & Commission","date","2025-06-12T01:31:42Z","article","The Nevada Gaming Control Board sustained stewards’ findings that four horses trained by Ricardo Castillo tested positive for prohibited substances and imposed fines, license revocation and a multi‑year racing bar.

Lede: Following an appeal of the stewards’ rulings at Elko and Alco race meets, the board sustained that Ricardo Castillo violated NGC regulation 30.405 (prohibited foreign substances in racehorses), disqualified the four affected horses and ordered redistribution of their purses. The board modified the stewards’ recommendations and imposed a $25,000 fine per race (total $100,000), revoked Castillo’s Nevada horse‑race license (effective Sept. 3, 2024) and barred him from racing under Nevada jurisdiction for 15 years.

Why it matters: Drug administration to racehorses is an enforcement priority because it endangers animals, jockeys and the integrity of wagering. The board’s action is intended to impose a substantial deterrent and aligns with national regulatory guidance (ARCI) for category‑a offenses.

What the board heard: The board reviewed the stewards’ hearing record and laboratory results that reported methamphetamine and amphetamine in multiple post‑race samples and tramadol in two samples. The state steward and investigators summarized chain of custody and post‑race testing procedures. The stewards had imposed the maximum administrative penalties within their jurisdiction and referred the matter to the board for further discipline. The board noted the presence of the illegal stimulant in multiple horses over different race days and the lack of an exculpatory explanation from the trainer in prior proceedings.

Board action: The board sustained the stewards’ finding of violation and the disqualification of the four horses with redistribution of purses. The board modified the stewards’ recommendations and set fines at $25,000 per race, a total fine of $100,000; it revoked Castillo’s Nevada horse‑racing license effective 2024‑09‑03 and barred him from racing on any track under Nevada jurisdiction for 15 years. The board directed staff to coordinate recovery of any improperly distributed purse monies through appropriate civil remedies.

Why the board acted strongly: Members cited public‑safety risk to jockeys and animals, and the need to protect wagering integrity. The board emphasized that methamphetamine administration is a category‑a offense under industry standards and should attract sanctions sufficient to deter similar conduct.

What’s next: The orders and fines become part of the public record and ARCI will be notified; other jurisdictions typically honor Nevada suspensions and bars. Parties have appeal rights under statute and the board recorded the decision on the record for that purpose.

Ending note: The board’s action underlines the state’s enforcement priority for prohibited drug use in racing and signals regulators’ willingness to apply multi‑year bars and substantial fines for repeat or multi‑horse violations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Nevada Gaming Control Board Meeting - June","oneSentenceSummary","The Nevada Gaming Control Board sustained stewards’ findings that four horses trained by Ricardo Castillo tested positive for methamphetamine and related substances and modified the stewards’ penalties: disqualification, redistribution of purses, a $100,000 total fine, license revocation and a 15‑year bar from Nevada racing.","taxTitle","Nevada Gaming Control Board, Executive Agencies, Organizations, Executive, Nevada","taxId",24266,"location","Nevada","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6529247,"Board recommends approval for Apollo-led Voyager acquisition of IGT gaming and Every Holdings",5138,1563000,6701000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3805076-fb94e0c0d194f8fe67aebdad4cc60e91&start=1563&end=6701","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3805076-fb94e0c0d194f8fe67aebdad4cc60e91/thumbnail_1563000.jpg","/articles/6529247/Nevada/Board-recommends-approval-for-Apollo-led-Voyager-acquisition-of-IGT-gaming-and-Every-Holdings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6529247-13d724ce9b64f9e7225d3fa29937a0c1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770532431&Signature=Q9RZJbUaXHPD0SBTyifTcbMres9itHIzlddf2b1BUH1w9zYCBZIUXv0K7kel6tGrhjT6le4DAEjNd836t1HXREh8YMuLW88zwSPvCBHpTpcMDdW0b7KwhIN~sKdzZzoXNB9ANFLtkOqiJSwXqGnpPrYPvQloJvb8p11ClLuSU82ko~L7RKdkjA~ECIAZ5u3bw8SOdRg39DsxR2OWPc4vF~Oc3H2y6Ge5PEPeP2QcrGpjCHqbeDoRuC2G3IhN2tK4LyYRIAPYWFBBYp5IhVeYH5KAlP2FcaeuSJHJuVje0gspvAnE9CMqw4kxeg~Gp7~KfQ5BKvnDQE5Eegi9pPZBgw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Nevada Gaming Control Board voted to recommend approval of a multi-step acquisition that will place International Game Technology’s gaming and digital businesses together with Every Holdings under a new private holding company called Voyager.

The board voted to recommend approval of the application package and associated orders after an extended public presentation by counsel and investors and a review by investigations staff. The board attached conditions requiring the buyer to provide fully executed credit and collateral agreements to the board within 90 days of Commission approval, to make quarterly disclosures of certain ownership interests, and to house a $100,000 revolving investigative fund with the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

Why it matters: The transaction would create a large diversified gaming-technology supplier headquartered in Las Vegas combining IGT’s land-based gaming, systems and manufacturing business with Every’s fintech and digital products. Presenters said the combined company would be named IGT and would maintain significant operations in Nevada. The deal was described by counsel as a two-step transaction that converts previously-announced public-company plans into a private acquisition and integration led by Apollo-managed funds, coinvestors and the D’Agostini family.

What the board heard: Counsel for Voyager and investor representatives walked the board through the deal structure, capitalization and timeline, arguing the buyer will be a private investment company (PIC) under NGC rules and that most remaining regulatory approvals were expected in June with a target close around July 1. Presenters said the new enterprise will be led by an experienced executive team already largely recruited, and outlined commitments on employee equity programs, community donations and a plan to maintain Las Vegas as the company headquarters. The proposed capital structure was described as conservatively leveraged with roughly $4.3 billion of debt and a material equity commitment from Apollo Fund 10 and co‑investors.

Investigations and conditions: Board staff reported a thorough background review of principal licensees and managers, including the two Apollo partners proposed to sit on the VOTCO (Voyager VOTCO LLC) and the interim CEO and compliance officers identified for the combined company. Members pressed representatives on post‑close governance, the scope of future incentive programs, and how the new company will preserve regulatory compliance, anti‑money‑laundering controls and licensing continuity during the integration. The board included conditions mirroring prior PIC approvals (quarterly disclosure of unit holders and names, option and equity limits, maintenance of a dedicated investigative revolving fund, and delivery of executed debt and collateral documents within 90 days of Commission approval) to preserve the board’s ability to monitor ownership changes and to fund investigation work.

Formal action: Judge Assad moved that the board recommend approval of nonrestricted agenda item 1 (the Voyager transaction) as read into the record, including the revised order of registration and the conditions noted above. The motion passed unanimously (Member Assad: aye; Member Sandahl: aye; Chairman Hendricks: aye). The board also recommended separate draft orders terminating Every’s registration and amending IGT’s registration be considered by the Nevada Gaming Commission.

What’s next: The board’s recommendation will go to the Nevada Gaming Commission for final action. Staff and the parties said they expect to seek remaining regulatory approvals in other jurisdictions in June and to close shortly afterward if those approvals are obtained.

Ending note: Presenters emphasized commitments to maintain Nevada operations and to invest in compliance and workforce programs locally; board members pressed for robust documentary proof of the credit/collateral package and for ongoing disclosure of ownership changes so the board can monitor the new private ownership structure.","The Nevada Gaming Control Board voted to recommend approval of the multi-step Voyager transaction — a private, Apollo-managed acquisition combining International Game Technology’s gaming and digital businesses with Every Holdings — subject to conditions and documents to be provided before the Nevada Gaming Commission acts.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6529227,"Chair Hendricks praised as he completes term; board highlights legislative wins",17759,1441000,19200000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3805076-fb94e0c0d194f8fe67aebdad4cc60e91&start=1441&end=19200","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3805076-fb94e0c0d194f8fe67aebdad4cc60e91/thumbnail_1441000.jpg","/articles/6529227/Nevada/Chair-Hendricks-praised-as-he-completes-term-board-highlights-legislative-wins","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6529227-8cbf835f78afc5a7c8f4c51a6f8bf994/orig.mp4?Expires=1770532431&Signature=LQ3d6thgdKXzVGFX~f1Sxp1IqfnKhy~DMa9MVbKI9VO4V8t5ffxo~Uq6-2vh8lq~jzspgMsrWdzm42QOOZYPh1y086zoFRM0eB9SAxBMEwKT7zKfWGMYQYx8oD2OvN7xgZcAa1D-ePA8l-H~7Atgp9da7AeXCJmc8OTJdC-00gmCInOdzST7Bmu4QIcs~2SH04BgepjQTdEngssktQzJSjNYz9N-akMEjOLF45wauynQ4ixmaMmcg-4sSBZDe1HDs~LFEXof4YwZqJm5CJEuxwxSIBYdrNjYMZhdmg5h622Lf5zLdA7jW8lhYvXWrSpRsilNbXIM98LqDTioULFVvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kirk Hendricks presided over his final Nevada Gaming Control Board meeting on June 11, 2025 and received public expressions of appreciation from former regulators, industry leaders and fellow board members.

Why it matters: Hendricks led the board through two legislative sessions and a series of regulatory reforms. Board members and public commenters commended his efforts to streamline internal processes and to support staff and industry engagement during his term.

What was said: Multiple speakers during public comment — including longtime Nevada regulatory and industry figures — praised Hendricks for leadership, institutional knowledge and employee support. Dr. Tony Alamo, Judge Assad and members of the board thanked Hendricks; several speakers noted his personal contributions to employee events and to bringing focus to compliance and regulatory improvements.

Legislative results: Hendricks and staff also highlighted the board’s legislative outcomes during the 2025 session, including Senate Bill 46 and Assembly Bill 58. Staff summarized the bills’ effects in a brief public report: AB 58 clarifies procedures for administrative approval of new games and gaming devices and modernizes definitions; SB 46 gives the board authority to retain certain jurisdiction over persons leaving the industry and clarifies provisions about voluntary surrenders and hearing‑examiner procedures. Staff said the bills also raised administrative fine caps and clarified other licensing processes; the board indicated workshops would follow to implement the statutory changes.

Ending note: Members said they looked forward to Judge Mike Dreiser’s upcoming role as the new chair, and thanked Hendricks for his service. Hendricks said he would remain engaged as an observer and supporter of the board’s work.","Chairman Kirk Hendricks concluded his last regular meeting on June 11, 2025. Members and public commenters praised his two-and-a-half years of service. The board also noted passage of two gaming bills this session (Senate Bill 46 and Assembly Bill 58) that modify regulatory authorities and technical provisions for the agency.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6529237,"Board grants waivers allowing 15-slot operations at two travel centers in Henderson",980,9670000,10650000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3805076-fb94e0c0d194f8fe67aebdad4cc60e91&start=9670&end=10650","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3805076-fb94e0c0d194f8fe67aebdad4cc60e91/thumbnail_9670000.jpg","/articles/6529237/Nevada/Board-grants-waivers-allowing-15-slot-operations-at-two-travel-centers-in-Henderson","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6529237-f34d7c20ccc7ce8999484960f29a53e1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770532431&Signature=aE6tLmKO-2gTQGVp-Ukp5FMn4HfhwFQQoMLrQZ~xBV6TTbaei0iinxeIfS3iaHgdNPF62sBmJOsOX1A24PGKPAizTkWa~q82NI0xNys4OUIs1IOF8oCvxbS4F7ZhAWiwJViXl0jznM-XSawGoW8HqyjTJyIL-YXGi~fx-dHDn~X7ruv55m0Z~Kw991qG8Jh-y36smbxcTaTqI8hyfbV5CgkFY7QaDpgAG2oIkL6fMtI3P1dsFj9ZOUX6f9zUEdyOHUghcit9c5QwcfqDW6w~cMpwOofC5uuFYrof~DNTmHQ--yGqpf2GKOUbwux3wFJ~Ixa7LjJgOSxrXGLqbHqqdg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Nevada Gaming Control Board voted to recommend Commission approval of restricted‑license applications and regulatory waivers that will allow up to 15 slot machines at two large travel‑center locations operated by DeSimone Gaming Inc.

Lede: After reviewing staff reports and a white‑paper rationale from the applicant, the board recommended approval of restricted licenses for Desimone Gaming at Petro (El Dorado Pass) and TA Express (El Dorado Pass) and granted waivers to NGC regulation 3.015(3)(b) (convenience‑store slot limits). Each approval was conditioned on surveillance‑system inspection and approval by enforcement within 60 days of license issuance.

Why it matters: Regulation 3.015 normally limits convenience stores to seven slot machines. The board found these two sites are operationally and geographically distinct from a typical convenience store — larger square footage, truck facilities and amenities geared to professional drivers and travelers — and therefore qualify for a waiver under the board’s exceptional‑circumstances practice.

What the board heard: Counsel and the applicant described the locations as full service travel centers with truck bays, showers and large retail footprints. DeSimone representatives stressed that slot revenue was incidental to the large travel‑center business and that the centers serve adult travelers and commercial drivers rather than families or minors. Staff visited the sites and recommended conditions including surveillance inspections; investigators confirmed the sites’ physical scale and truck parking capacity.

Formal action: Judge Assad moved that the board find the waiver consistent with NGC rules and recommend Commission approval. The motion (restricted agenda items 5 and 6) passed unanimously. Each approval includes the condition that surveillance systems or mirrors be inspected and approved by the Enforcement Division within 60 days of license issuance and maintained thereafter at the approved standard.

What’s next: The board’s recommendations will be forwarded to the Nevada Gaming Commission for final action. If the Commission approves, the licensee will be required to complete surveillance upgrades and provide post‑license reporting as a condition of operating more than seven machines.

Ending note: The board emphasized that waivers to the convenience‑store cap remain exceptional and tied to site‑specific facts — large footprint, truck‑oriented customer base and limited proximity to minors — and said the conditions will let staff monitor the locations for compliance.","The Gaming Control Board recommended to the Nevada Gaming Commission approval of two restricted licenses and waivers permitting up to 15 slot machines at two large travel‑center locations (El Dorado Pass and TA Express El Dorado Pass), imposing surveillance inspection conditions and routine monitoring requirements.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6529242,"Brightstar-led deal to take PlayAGS private and fold it into new owner approved by board",1914,5196000,7110000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3805076-fb94e0c0d194f8fe67aebdad4cc60e91&start=5196&end=7110","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3805076-fb94e0c0d194f8fe67aebdad4cc60e91/thumbnail_5196000.jpg","/articles/6529242/Nevada/Brightstar-led-deal-to-take-PlayAGS-private-and-fold-it-into-new-owner-approved-by-board","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6529242-44054720d8e7a87b6f77e4cfe1f3cd3a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770532431&Signature=KEFPtEZ~ix0flVQjeQc1yE0GHctuS-lZBLRaYBmHyKSVUYSkNV-m9aChqczzs6yoOPVoMoghAh0PBOtbjJKhVvu81xToIBDERGmaHcv2X-HTgnRLJn0KckezBt2UEv0jiVtP6iHPPM-8Zt6iwAIMy4Asj05KPItFDClVhbb2UGVcWP3kviQZPJaCPc6lsBq4-AOV9RfpTApFn4Q7ChuBbJm1YUr20q31KDlZIydPCT0tq9~4p~3peomiZkxrDR9P11nTIjwnCbFWqLLfKUQRQRX89xNLn0HA3eyMtGtxPcrEXkAcr4tBfw2XMvkgk~QLvjxDr5ChlJcrRPvsYJ5djg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Nevada Gaming Control Board recommended the Commission approve a private‑equity acquisition that will take PlayAGS Inc. private and place the company under a Brightstar Capital Partners-managed private investment company (PIC).

Why it matters: The board reviewed a structure chart showing a PIC aggregator (Bingo Ultimate Holdings LP) as the vehicle to acquire PlayAGS and related intermediary entities. The deal includes management rollover equity and an employee incentive class (Class B) representing a minority economic interest — items for which the board customarily grants waivers to standard PIC characteristics.

What the board heard: Brightstar’s principals described the firm’s 10‑year history, funds backing the deal, and business plan focused on international growth and product expansion. PlayAGS CEO David Lopez and other executives presented integration plans and described the company’s roughly 1,000 global employees and offices in Nevada, Atlanta and Austin. Brightstar said the agreement provides cash consideration to public shareholders and a plan for maintaining Las Vegas operations and community contributions.

Investigations and conditions: Board staff reported a detailed background check of the PIC principals and the proposed management team. Counsel requested waivers to NGC regulation 15 c to permit the class A and class B equity arrangements typically used to preserve management rollovers and employee incentives; staff characterized the requests as standard PIC waivers, subject to conditions. The board required quarterly disclosures of holders of the incentive units, a $50,000 investigative revolving fund to cover investigative costs if monitoring is needed, and delivery of credit/collateral documents within 90 days of Commission approval.

Formal action: Judge Assad moved that the board recommend Commission approval of the PIC structure, waivers and deregistration of PlayAGS as a publicly traded company; the motion passed unanimously (Member Assad: aye; Member Sandahl: aye; Chairman Hendricks: aye). The board’s approval included a draft order terminating PlayAGS’ registration to reflect the change to a privately held structure.

Next steps: The board’s recommendation goes to the Nevada Gaming Commission for final action. Parties said they expect to work through remaining prior‑approval jurisdictions and to close the transaction if those approvals are obtained.

Ending note: Presenters emphasized retention of PlayAGS operations in Nevada and plans for employee and community investments; the board conditioned its recommendation on standard PIC monitoring measures to ensure ongoing disclosure of equity holders and to fund investigations if needed.","The Gaming Control Board recommended approval of a private‑investment company deal under which Brightstar Capital will acquire PlayAGS, including a request for private‑investment company waivers and equity incentive plans; the board attached standard PIC conditions and required surveillance inspections for the restricted location.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board revokes trainer's license, fines $100,000 and bars him after methamphetamine positives in four racehorses

Board recommends approval for Apollo-led Voyager acquisition of IGT gaming and Every Holdings

Chair Hendricks praised as he completes term; board highlights legislative wins

Board grants waivers allowing 15-slot operations at two travel centers in Henderson

Brightstar-led deal to take PlayAGS private and fold it into new owner approved by board