Reno's Grand Sierra Resort faces $250,000 fine over Nevada Gaming Board complaint

The Nevada Gaming Control Board has filed a complaint against Reno’s largest hotel-casino, Grand Sierra Resort (GSR), following an incident where the casino’s security staff obstructed access for board agents during a routine inspection. The complaint could result in a $250,000 fine for the resort if a proposed settlement is approved by the Nevada Gaming Commission.

The issue stems from an incident on December 19, 2023, when GSR’s security guards delayed enforcement agents from entering a theater on the property, despite proper identification being presented. According to the complaint, this was not the first such occurrence at the resort. A similar violation took place in January 2021, when unregistered security officers prevented access to the property, leading the Control Board to issue a violation notice the following month.

In response to the 2021 incident, Grand Sierra Resort assured the Gaming Control Board that steps would be taken to prevent future delays. The resort's security staff was instructed to allow immediate access to board agents once credentials were presented. However, the December 2023 incident highlighted that these measures were either inadequately implemented or ignored, resulting in the current complaint.

The resort admitted that agents were delayed for about six minutes before being allowed entry, although the agents ultimately left after further discussions with security personnel. The resort has waived its right to a public hearing on the matter and has agreed to the proposed fine.

The Nevada Gaming Commission is expected to review the settlement, with meetings scheduled later this month and in November. If the settlement is approved, the fine will be imposed as part of the disciplinary action against GSR. Grand Sierra Resort, which is under the same ownership as Las Vegas’ Sahara hotel-casino, has not commented on the pending decision.