The Nevada Gaming Commission has approved a range of new table game options. After a successful field trial at Harrah’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, the state regulator greenlighted a newly developed five-card Pai Gow poker variant.
Key Takeaways
- The Nevada Gaming Commission has approved a new five-card version of Pai-Gow.
- The game was one of several trials, including side bets on craps tables and new wheel games.
- Approval comes as the Nevada gambling industry fights back against Kalshi providing sports event contracts.
The new Pai-Gow variation won over executives at Harrah’s, with Casino Manager Lucas Botsis highlighting that the familiarity of the Pai-Gow brand helped generate interest during the trial. The game posted a hold percentage of around 33%, making it financially appealing for operators.
Dustin Brown, Vice President of Gaming at Harrah’s, The Linq, and Flamingo, added that five-card Pai Gow will remain on Harrah’s floor and suggested future enhancements, including adding a progressive side bet.
Regulators have also approved or are testing other novel gaming experiences. At Paris Las Vegas, the “Hard All Day” side bet was launched on the craps table.
MGM Resorts International, recently downgraded in stock estimations thanks to a Las Vegas slowdown, is field-testing the Big Six Mega Money Wheel at MGM Grand, an LED-illuminated version of the classic carnival-style game.
Nevada reinforces authority in Kalshi lawsuit
While casinos in Nevada transform, state regulators also assert control over gambling activities. This month, Nevada gaming officials filed 18 legal defenses in a lawsuit with Kalshi, a federally regulated prediction market operator that sued after being issued a cease-and-desist order.
Nevada argues that federal regulations do not supersede its gambling statutes, stating that Kalshi’s sports event contracts constitute unauthorized betting, thereby avoiding stringent licensing and regulatory scrutiny. This emphasizes the state's commitment to rigorous regulation while embracing new gaming advancements to maintain integrity and promote local benefits.
Caesars enhances sportsbook app with universal wallet in Nevada
Another innovation in Nevada casinos is increased integration with online gambling. Caesars Entertainment has announced the launch of a universal digital wallet for the Caesars Sportsbook app in Nevada, allowing customers to manage funds and Caesars Rewards credits in one place with seamless access across 19 jurisdictions.
“The launch of our universal wallet in Nevada is a significant step forward and a long-anticipated enhancement that brings greater convenience and connectivity to our mobile app. With this update, sports bettors who visit Nevada and our world-class destinations on the Las Vegas Strip or beyond can enjoy a consistent experience wherever they go, with their account, funds, and rewards all in one place, just as it should be,” said Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital.
