Nevada's private gaming salons for high rollers may soon see new players if the Nevada Gaming Commission signs off on regulatory amendments this week, according to The News-Gazette.
These exclusive spaces, often reserved for celebrities, athletes, and big spenders seeking privacy, are common at luxury resorts.
Key Takeaways
- Nevada regulators are considering lowering the entry threshold for private gaming salons from $300,000 to $20,000.
- Proposed amendments would allow poker in salons, extend guest visitation limits, and give casinos more flexibility on slot machine minimums.
- Officials expect the changes to increase salon participation, enhance casino revenue, and generate additional tax benefits for Nevada.
Salons were first licensed in 2001 as a means for casinos to provide discreet high-limit sections away from public areas. In 2008, regulators changed admission standards by lowering the initial entry threshold from $500,000 to $300,000.
The latest proposal would reduce that threshold to $20,000, significantly broadening access.
Other proposed updates include permitting poker with a $10,000 minimum buy-in per player and a $20,000 total stake, as well as giving casinos greater discretion on slot machine minimums. Resorts would also be allowed to shift salons into public gaming areas without prior approval, and guest visitation limits would extend from six hours to 24.
These adjustments were prompted by input from the Nevada Resort Association, followed by the Legislature's approval of Senate Bill 459 earlier this year. The Nevada Gaming Control Board endorsed the changes in September, setting up Thursday's commission vote.
Officials believe the amendments could increase salon use, boost casino revenue, and provide added tax benefits to the state.
Live dealer tables removed at downtown casino
After celebrating its 119th anniversary earlier this year, the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino is phasing out live dealer table games, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The move will leave just 11 downtown casinos with traditional tables, as Main Street Station now limits operations to weekends.
The transition follows Golden Gate's earlier decision to eliminate its live craps tables. Management confirmed that electronic table games will take their place.
The property has gradually scaled back table offerings since the pandemic, first cutting games in its pit area before replacing a craps table with electronic versions. Visitor activity has slowed since Circa opened nearby in 2020, and Golden Gate's lack of on-site amenities has limited traffic further.
Passenger traffic declines at Harry Reid International
The adjustments in gaming operations come as Las Vegas tourism indicators show mixed results. According to Clark County aviation officials, Harry Reid International Airport handled more than 4.5 million passengers in August, but traffic fell 8.5% compared to the same month in 2024.
The decline was most pronounced at Spirit Airlines. It recorded 409,886 passengers in August, a 46.3% year-over-year drop. Over the first eight months of 2025, Spirit's Las Vegas traffic decreased 32% to 3.6 million.
Avelo Airlines also scaled back service. The Houston-based carrier withdrew from the market in August.
The airline carried just over 5,000 Las Vegas passengers in August, down nearly 49% from the previous year. Management cited financial struggles and aircraft reallocation as driving its decision.
