Nevada regulator investigates 156 cases of health and safety non-compliance

The Nevada Gaming Control Board issued a statement Tuesday announcing that since the Nevada Governor authorized the resumption of gaming operations on June 4, it has opened 156 regulatory cases statewide, relating to non-compliance with the Board’s Health and Safety Policies and conducted over 10,135 inspections and observations.

Pursuant to Governor Steve Sisolak’s Declaration of Emergency Directive 021 issued on May 28, the Board has implemented and enforced its Health and Safety Policies for Reopening after Temporary Closure.

"The Board has continued to work around the clock with its partners at other state agencies and local jurisdictions to achieve its statewide mission of protecting the health and welfare of the general public at licensed gaming establishments by enforcing its Health and Safety Policies, as well as the Emergency Directives issued by the Office of the Governor,” said James Taylor, Chief of Enforcement.

Among its 156 investigations, the board has filed three formal complaints, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. It did not disclose the targets of its open cases but posted copies of the complaints online. None involved properties in Southern Nevada.

The complaints included allegations that patrons did not wear face coverings or wore them improperly while playing slot machines.

The control board will present cases to the Nevada Gaming Commission “to ensure that public health and safety remains a priority for the gaming industry,” control board Chairwoman Sandra Douglass Morgan said in the news release.

"The Gaming Control Board has never shied away from its duty to strictly regulate licensed gaming, and the same is true for the enforcement of Governor Sisolak’s Emergency Directives and the Board’s Health and Safety Policies," she added.

Nevada’s casinos were allowed to reopen June 4, more than two months after Gov. Steve Sisolak ordered them and other businesses closed to help contain the spread of the new coronavirus.