Nevada Casinos Told To Be Vigilant

Nevada gambling regulators have reminded the Las Vegas Strip’s major casino operators they’re accountable for any illegal activity at leased-out nightclubs and entertainment venues at their properties.

Gaming Control Board Chairman Dennis Neilander said there wasn’t any recent incident that prompted the board to send the memo this week, adding it’s a reminder that gambling licensees need to be vigilant in preventing illegal activity.

Neilander also said Clark County Sheriff Bill Young told regulators his department was concerned about the booking of various entertainment and performers into the clubs.

Young cited “numerous incidents of violence before, during and after several ‘gangster rap’ concerts, not just in Las Vegas, but nationally as well,” the memo said.

“Of particular concern to the board are incidences of excessive inebriation, drug distribution and abuse, violence, the involvement of minors, and the handling of those individuals who become incapacitated while at the club,” the memo states.

“The board will also expect the licensee to perform appropriate due diligence to determine that nightclub owners/operators are suitable,” the memo adds. “In addition, the board expects that same level of due diligence in determining suitability of entertainment brought onto a licensed property, and will similarly hold the licensee accountable for incidents occurring as a result of entertainment the licensee knew or should have known would likely cause such incidents.”

Many popular nightclubs are leased by the casinos to third-party operators. For example, Drai’s at the Barbary Coast and Tryst at Wynn Las Vegas are operated by businessman Victor Drai. Light Las Vegas owns Light and the Caramel Bar & Lounge at Bellagio and Treasure Island’s Mist Bar & Lounge.

At the Aladdin, Curve is operated by a third party inside the Desert Passage, which is owned separately from the Aladdin. The shopping mall is attached to the hotel-casino, but the sites are considered separate entities.

–Associated Press