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Commission approves multiple suitability and licensing items; extends Peppermill/Wendover transfer and places conditions on Lucky Lucy
Summary
The commission approved a slate of nonrestricted and restricted license applications, including suitability for William Hornbuckle (MGM), licensure for Gil Rotem (IGT/Play Digital) and Bobby Sue Reel, registration and transfers for the Tate family and PepperMill/Wendover extension pending California appeal. Boomer's Sportsbook was approved to operate a kiosk at Ojos Locos; Lucky Lucy received conditional approval but faces a two‑year limitation because of recurring audit errors.
At its Nov. 20 meeting the Nevada Gaming Commission approved a large set of non‑restricted and restricted licensing items presented by the Gaming Control Board.
Notable approvals included the suitability and key‑executive licensure of William Hornbuckle IV (MGM Resorts), with commissioners praising Hornbuckle’s record and philanthropic plans for a proposed children’s hospital; Chandler Poele and Hornbuckle described the company’s convention, digital and international growth. Commissioners noted the philanthropic pledge and Hornbuckle told the commission he and his wife had agreed to assist fundraising for a proposed children’s hospital project.
The commission also approved: Bobby Sue Reel’s key employee licensure; Gil Rotem’s licensure as a key executive at IGT/Play Digital after questions about withdrawn applications in other states; Tate family registrations and transfers (Tate Operations Irrevocable Trust, Carson City Gaming Company LLC and related individuals); and an extension related to the Peppermill/Wendover transfers while California litigation proceeds (the commission approved a two‑year extension for the transfer timeline given the pending appeal).
Boomer’s Sportsbook (Ojos Locos Sports Cantina & Casino) received approval to operate a race book and sports pool kiosk; Boomer representatives said the venue will rely on ambassadors to assist mobile account signups, and commissioners asked about registration and training for those ambassadors.
Lucky Lucy (Lucky D.) was approved to receive a percentage of racing/sports pool revenue but subject to the Gaming Control Board’s recommended two‑year limitation because of audit findings. Gaming Control Board staff described audit errors stemming from a system transition and slot system change; the net financial effect reported in the hearing was a small tax adjustment (roughly $5,000 net) and errors that the licensee agreed to correct and to enhance audit oversight with an independent reviewer.
On a range of restricted licenses the commission approved applications for convenience‑store and restricted gaming operators (Red Apple Market, Owens and Lamb/S & K Market, Century Gaming Technologies at several locations, and Market Gaming at Smith’s in Henderson) after the applicants described outreach to nearby institutions where required by rule.
Most license items were approved by voice vote following the Gaming Control Board’s recommendations. Several commissioners used the public record to emphasize the need for continued compliance and for licensing applicants to fulfill any outstanding conditions (for example, filing outstanding key‑employee applications within 60 days).
