Type of Licenses:
The State of Nevada has different classifications of gaming.
Gaming in Tavern/Bars, Supper Clubs, Convenience Store, Drug Store, Grocery
Stores and Liquor Stores fall under the classification of “Restricted Gaming”.
This classification of gaming only allows the use of slot machines (Reel or Video Poker). Unlike a casino which has additional to slot machines, table games, sports books, live keno and poker rooms. Casinos have the classification of unrestricted licenses.
The type of casino an applicant chooses to operate determines the type of license that is necessary. Nevada gaming licenses are either restricted or non-restricted.
Restricted: If the applicant chooses to operate no more that 15 slots and no table or poker games, then a restricted license must be obtained. In addition, the machines must be incidental or adjunct to the primary business.
Suitable locations for operating gaming machines in Nevada (Restricted License):
- Tavern / Bar
- Supper Club
- Convenience Store
- Drug Store
- Grocery Store
- Liquor Store
Maximum number of games per location type:
- Tavern / Bar = 15 games
- Supper Club = 5 games
- Convenience Store = 7 games
- Drug Store = 15 games
- Grocery Store = 15 games
- Liquor Store = 4 games
Non-restricted: An applicant wishing to operate more than 15 slots and / or one or more table games (including poker) and / or race book or sports pool must first obtain a non-restricted gaming license.
Effective July 1, 1992, the state of Nevada requires a minimum number of hotel rooms before it will issue a non-restricted state gaming license for a casino to be newly constructed. Under current requirements, the applicant must have at least 200 hotel rooms.
Licensing Process:
All principle owners must be licensed or found suitable to hold a gaming license. Anyone seeking a gaming license must first prepare an application and submit it. The applicant pays the entire cost of the investigation. Once the application is prepared, it is reviewed and an estimate is made as to how much the investigation will cost. The applicant then prepays the estimated cost.
The application is submitted to the Board, at which time an investigative team is assigned to the case. After the investigation, the applicant appears before the Board to answer any questions that have arisen from the background and financial investigation. The Board then makes a recommendation as to the suitability of the applicant. Approximately two weeks later, the applicant comes before the Commission for another independent review. At the end of questioning, the members of the Commission will vote on whether the applicant is to be licensed.
