If given the opportunity, Gov. Brian Sandoval will utilize sports betting as a means to enhance the already well-established gaming regulatory structure in Nevada.
Sandoval told CDC Gaming Reports, “I traverse the globe, representing Nevada, to visit different gaming jurisdictions. In every case, they’ve reached out to us for assistance with their gaming regulatory system.”
He believes that nationwide sports betting will strengthen the Nevada market, hence his endorsement of it.
CDC Gaming Reports state that Sandoval takes pride in Nevada’s current regulations. He believes that these regulations, which he refers to as the “gold standard”, put Nevada in a favorable position for the expansion of sports betting.
The Republican from Northern Nevada stated his personal support for New Jersey in the case that led to the legalization of sports betting.
Sandoval, who is constrained by term limits and therefore ineligible for reelection, continues to prioritize online gambling until he concludes his second term in office this coming January. In contrast, Adam Laxalt, another gubernatorial candidate, strongly dislikes online gambling.
Nevada poised for gaming growth
Recently, Nevada became the new home for the corporate headquarters of two gaming companies: Aristocrat Technologies, an Australian slot machine company, and Gaming Arts LLC, a manufacturer of gaming equipment.
Sandoval attended the ribbon cutting ceremony of the former and also acknowledged that Nevada is ready to hire for this area of growth.
These employees come from the research and development laboratories of the International Gaming Institute at the University of Las Vegas and the Master of Law program in gaming at UNLV’s Boyld School of Law.
Sandoval: No stranger to gaming in 2018
In January, Becky Harris was appointed by Sandoval as the chair of the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Harris is the first woman to hold the position of chair and the second to serve on the board.
Sandoval stated that to comply with regulations, a competent candidate needed to be appointed. He identified Harris as that candidate and recommended her for reinstatement by the succeeding governor. Harris responded as follows:
Being appointed to the world’s finest regulatory system carries a significant responsibility. I am deeply appreciative of the faith and trust Governor Sandoval has shown in me. I pledge to serve with unwavering determination and honor.
Recently, Sandoval’s work has extended much further back. However, as recent as April, he declared the formation of the Southern Nevada Sporting Event Committee. This committee is aimed at creating more opportunities for sporting events, while also acknowledging the world of sports betting.
Sandoval informed KTVN that Nevada is emerging as a major sports destination, thanks to the Vegas Golden Nights’ chase for the Stanley Cup and the presence of the Raiders in the state.
With the recent Supreme Court decision on sports betting, our state has an increased number of opportunities to draw in major sporting events and related activities. I am assured that this Committee will thoroughly investigate all potential avenues and report their findings to me and the Legislature.
The committee was formed April 18 through an executive order, which enabled its members to locally organize for events such as the NFL draft. Moreover, the committee has the authority to assess if Nevada should set up a permanent sports committee.
Creating a sports committee
This committee, comprised of 18 members, includes some recognizable faces from the online poker world. These individuals were appointed by Sandoval:
- Executive Director Paul Anderson of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.
- Chairman Steve Hill of the Las Vegas Stadium Authority Board
- Mayor Carolyn Goodman of Las Vegas City
- Clark County Commission Chairman, Steve Sisolak
- President and CEO of Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, Mary Beth Sewald.
- Chancellor Thom Reilly of the Nevada System of Higher Education
- Vegas Golden Knights Executive Vice President, Peter Sadowski
- President of Raiders, Marc Badain
- Senior Vice President of Las Vegas Sands Corp, Andrew Abboud.
- MGM Executive Vice President, John McManus
- John Maddox is the Vice President of Government Relations and Development at Caesars Entertainment.
- Wynn Resorts’ Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Kim Sinatra
- Red Rock Resorts Vice President of Government Relations, Michael Britt
- Boyd Gaming Corporation’s Senior Vice President of Industry and Government Affairs, William Noonan
- Arena & Equestrian Center General Manager, Steven Stallworth
- Chairman of Nevada State Bank, Dallas Haun
- John Hill, Representative for Public Relations & Advertising at Palm Mortuary
- Las Vegas Events’ Chairman of the Board, Scott Sibella
This committee also comprises four nonvoting members. By Dec. 31, 2018, they will present a report to Sandoval and the Legislative Commission.
Sandoval expedited the process
Sandoval’s ongoing support for online gaming throughout his term enabled him to enhance Nevada’s gaming status.
Sandoval entered the position with more experience than others, having served in the Nevada State Legislature, chaired the Nevada Gaming Commission, and filled the state’s Attorney General seat.
Among his achievements are:
- Reinstating the Governor’s Gaming Policy Committee after a 20 year hiatus
- Passing a legislation permitting Nevada to provide online poker (2013)
- As commission chair, I am responsible for establishing rules for themed slot machines that feature animated or children’s TV characters.
- Battling against John McCain to permit betting on college athletics (2004)
Under Sandoval’s chairmanship, the Nevada legislature approved online poker in less than 24 hours, paving the way for current issues, according to a report by CDC Gaming Reports.
I found it to be the ideal tool for presenting certain issues to the Legislature in advance, so as to avoid overwhelming them. It is my hope that the succeeding governor will recognize the strength of this framework and use it as a method for introducing new and complex issues to both the Legislature and the general public.
