Casinos in Nevada will be required to treat drug-impaired players in the same manner as they treat those impaired by alcohol.
This suggests that casinos could face substantial fines if they allow visibly intoxicated players to continue gambling, or if they serve them complimentary alcoholic drinks.
The Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC), a group of five individuals, has recently updated its rules and policies about players who are intoxicated. From now, casinos will be subjected to the same punishment for allowing players under the influence of drugs to gamble, as they are for players intoxicated by alcohol. This adjustment comes after the formal revision made earlier this month.
A changing society
Commission Chairman Tony Alamo conveyed to the Las Vegas Review-Journal newspaper that societal changes necessitated the amendment.
“Our priority has always been to protect our patrons, particularly against the effects of alcohol intoxication. However, societal changes have led to an increase in drug-induced incapacitation as well. In response to this, we find it necessary to adapt and subtly alter our approach.”
Undeniably, the recent legalization of recreational marijuana sales in the state has somewhat spurred these policy changes. However, these amendments not only tackle impairment due to marijuana but also impairment caused by both legal and illegal drugs.
Since recreational marijuana sales were legalized in Nevada on July 1, 2017, gaming regulators have been constantly engaged in discussions on how to regulate the local marijuana industry and its customers.
No opposition to intoxicated player policy changes
The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) held a public hearing on April 4 about the impairment issue. No objections or concerns were raised regarding the changes.
Regulatory bodies have only occasionally penalized casinos for mishandling patrons under the influence of alcohol. The latest such incident occurred in 2016 when the commission levied a $25,000 fine on Rampart Casino located at the Resort at Summerlin.
A third party at the casino lodged a complaint with the board after an incident involving an allegedly drunk individual who was purportedly permitted to continue gambling. Following an inquiry into this matter, state regulators levied a $25,000 fine on the casino.
Moreover, it was mandatory for the staff at Rampart Casino and Resort to receive training about responsible gaming and alcohol management.
The amendments could potentially require casinos to provide additional training for floor staff, helping them to more effectively identify drug impairment.
Not just alcohol, but other drugs
Alamo asserts that the new rules aim to stop people with impaired judgment abilities from participating in gambling.
“We are concerned about individuals engaging in gaming if they lack full control over their faculties. This involves incapacitation or intoxication, not just from alcohol, but also from other substances.”
