Nevada Gaming Control Board Streamlines Rules for Future Industry Growth

The Nevada Gaming Control Board is set to introduce further reforms aimed at simplifying the regulatory landscape. These changes are designed to strengthen the industry and continue boosting the state’s revenue through gaming taxes.

Presentation to the Judiciary Committee

On Friday, Sebastian Ross, Senior Policy Counsel for the Control Board, assisted by Chairman Kirk Hendrick, presented the board’s legislative priorities before the t Interim Standing Committee of the Judiciary. This 10-minute briefing was their initial discussion focused on the 2025 legislative session starting in February. Although specific bill drafts to be presented in the coming days were not detailed, the meeting encapsulated the board’s proactive measures since the last session’s conclusion.

Regulatory Revisions and Technological Advancements

Significant strides have been made in regulatory efficiency; the board, alongside the Nevada Gaming Commission, has repealed 13 regulations, amended eight, and updated three surveillance standards. Just this Thursday, six of these regulations received final approval from the commission. Additionally, the board is upgrading its technology systems, a project initiated with 2023 funding, with completion expected in the months.

Innovative Changes to Streamline Processes

Among the key regulatory changes are:

• A simplified tax collection process for licensees that aligns with the Nevada Department of Taxation’s methodology.
• An updated protocol for adding individuals to the List of Excluded Persons, removing outdated out-of-state source lists.
• New guidelines for the rapid approval of gaming technology, including a specific timeline for evaluations.
• The introduction of the Nevada One Day Evaluation (NODE), ensuring a one-day turnaround for slot machine modification evaluations.
• The “Ante Up Initiative,” which allows Control Board agents to conduct substantial parts of the field test procedures typically performed by licensees.

Record-Breaking Performance and Economic Impact

Ross highlighted the positive impact of these regulatory enhancements on Nevada gaming history. By June, the state had garnered $1.17 billion in gaming tax, marking a 4.5% increase over the prior fiscal year, suring both pre-pandemic levels and projections set by the state’s Economic Forum in May 2023.

Fiscal Contributions and Forward Look

Gaming taxes now for 18.2% of the state’s general fund tax revenue, second only to sales tax contributions at 30.4%. With the fiscal year ending soon, final numbers are anticipated next week, expected to reflect continued financial growth for the state.

The Control Board operates with 363 full-time equivalent staff across six divisions—108 in enforcement, 90 in auditing, 67 in investigations, 39 in technology, with the remainder in tax, licensing, and istration.

Source:

Nevada Gaming Control Board looks to streamline rules, reviewjournal.com, July 30, 2024.