Markantonis Appointed To Nevada Gaming Commission

George Markantonis has been appointed as the new member of the Nevada Gaming Commission. Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo announced this appointment as April was coming to a close.

Markantonis, the former president and CEO of The Venetian, has now joined the five-person commission, taking the place of Las Vegas attorney Steven Cohen.

In announcing the appointment, Lombardo praised Markantonis for his gaming experience.

George, as a seasoned gaming executive with international and multi-jurisdictional experience, is someone I greatly appreciate for his readiness to serve our state. I am confident that his demonstrated leadership, exceptional character, and years of experience will greatly contribute to the Nevada Gaming Commission.

Markantonis has several years of gaming experience

Markantonis, unlike his predecessor, has years of experience in the Nevada casino business. Cohen, who was appointed to the commission in 2019 by former Gov. Steve Sisolak, declined to be reappointed to the part-time position.

In 2021, the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) appointed former Judge Jennifer Togliatti as its chair.

Learning that Markantonis is only the second ex-gaming executive in Nevada’s history to serve on the NGC is somewhat surprising. The only other member of the NGC with casino experience was Michonne Ascuaga, a former executive at Sparks Nugget, who was appointed to the commission by the then-Governor Brian Sandoval in 2015.

Markantonis expressed in a statement about his new role at the NGC:

I am eager to use my industry experiences to contribute to the commission’s work in safeguarding the integrity of Nevada’s gaming industry and the well-being of all Nevadans who depend on its continuous success for their livelihoods.

Markantonis comes to the NGC with experience from both the Las Vegas casino and international hospitality industries. He spent seven years as CEO of The Venetian, before leaving shortly after its sale and subsequent takeover by Apollo Gaming.

Markantonis also brings years of hospitality experience to commission

Before his tenure at The Venetian, Markantonis gained experience working at various hospitality and gaming companies.

For 17 years, he was employed by Westin Hotels & Resorts, taking on various roles within the company in South Africa, Canada, and the US. Following this, he moved to Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, where he held the position of senior vice president of hotel operations.

Markantonis also held the position of CEO at Kerzner International, where he contributed to the development of the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island, Bahamas, and The Palm in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

He will now join the commission responsible for making the final decision on licensing and other regulatory matters suggested by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCG).

NGC enforces state laws on gaming

The Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) was established in 1959. The Nevada governor is responsible for appointing the five commission members, each serving a term of four years. Among these five members, one takes on the role of chairman.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) advises the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) on matters related to gaming licenses. The commission possesses the authority to approve, restrict, limit, condition, deny, revoke, or suspend any such licenses.

Furthermore, the NGC is responsible for establishing gaming regulations and enforcing the state laws that govern gaming.