SB 459 would loosen salon rules: allow poker/slots without mandated table games and remove $500 slot-minimum with board approval

CARSON CITY — The Senate Judiciary Committee took testimony on Senate Bill 459, a measure to modernize Nevada’s statutory requirements for private gaming salons by allowing licensees more flexibility in the games offered and by removing the statutory $500 minimum for slot machine wagers in salons (with any minimum to be set by the licensee and approved by the Nevada Gaming Control Board).

Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro presented the bill and said it updates chapter 463 of the Nevada Revised Statutes to reflect changing customer preferences and competitive pressures from other jurisdictions. "The bill modernizes the provisions of chapter 463 of NRS relating to gaming salons to allow for additional and greater flexibility for gaming properties to adapt to current trends," she said.

Industry witnesses emphasized the continued regulatory safeguards. Nicholas Vasiliadis (Nevada Resort Association) and Michael Alonso (representing Caesars Entertainment) told the committee that SB 459 does not remove licensing requirements or regulatory oversight: a separate nonrestricted license remains required; the Gaming Control Board must approve salon designs, security, surveillance, accounting, patron logs and any changes to salon size, games or configuration. "None of that is disappearing," Vasiliadis said.

The bill removes the statutory mandate that a salon must include a table game and would allow poker and other card games or a slot-only salon if the licensee and Gaming Control Board agree. The measure also eliminates the $500 statutory minimal slot wager inside salons; instead the licensee may propose a minimum wager that the Gaming Control Board would have to approve. Industry witnesses said the change could help Northern Nevada and neighborhood properties use salons to attract customers without imposing a uniform $500 threshold.

Supporters argued SB 459 preserves Nevada’s strict licensing and surveillance standards while enabling properties to tailor salon offerings to customers. No opposition testimony appeared in the committee record.

Ending: The committee concluded the hearing; proponents asked for consideration of the technical amendment that would make the bill effective upon passage and approval. The bill proceeds to committee consideration.