The Nevada Gaming Control Board is proposing the closure of a loophole that allows banned players to claim jackpot wins from casinos. The new regulation would give casinos the authority to withhold payouts from individuals who have been banned from gambling establishments. This includes those listed in the infamous “Black Book,” which bars them from entering any gambling property in the state.
Under the proposed rule, casinos would be required to return the stake of any jackpot winnings to banned players and clearly display their policy regarding payouts at entrances, on gaming floor rules, and on their websites. Banned players would still have the option to pursue civil action to receive their winnings. The NGCB will gather feedback from the casino industry before voting on the regulation at a future meeting. Many operators have already expressed their support for the change, with some suggesting minor adjustments to the wording of the amendment.
The catalyst for this proposed change stems from a high-profile incident at the Casablanca Resort in Mesquite last year. The casino was forced to pay out a $2,045 jackpot to a player who had trespassed on the property multiple times. Currently, gamblers in Nevada can appeal directly to the NGCB in the event of a dispute with a casino, seeking a mediation hearing.
The NGCB has been inundated with player-casino disputes related to banned players claiming jackpots, leading to concerns about the workload of hearing examiners. Chairperson Kirk Hendrick highlighted the strain on examiners and the need for a more efficient process to handle these disputes.
Following a tied vote on the issue in the past, the NGCB revisited the loophole and initiated discussions on potential changes. Industry stakeholders have expressed dissatisfaction with the existing rule, prompting the regulatory body to consider amending the regulations surrounding banned players and jackpot payouts.
In conclusion, the proposed closure of the loophole allowing banned players to claim jackpot winnings in Nevada casinos aims to create a fairer system for both players and operators. By giving casinos the authority to withhold payouts to banned individuals, the regulation seeks to prevent disputes and ensure compliance with bans issued by the state. The feedback from the casino industry will play a crucial role in determining the final outcome of the proposed regulation.