Nevada updates laws
Nevada has concluded its biennial legislative session, bringing 518 new laws to the state.
Among the sweeping changes were healthcare and education reforms, as well as new financing for affordable housing. But among the list of changes are also several laws likely to affect gamblers and other visitors to Las Vegas.
Cocktails to go will now be back on the menu at resorts, while there are increased penalties on drunk drivers, and fewer restrictions on private gaming salons.
Cocktails to go
Ordering cocktails from Doordash might seem like a COVID-era throwback, but it could make a return in Nevada. Assembly Bill 375 will make Nevada the 31st state to permanently allow alcohol deliveries.
during the pandemic, cocktails to-go were a great additional source of revenue for local bars”
Adam Smith, the Vice President of State Government Relations at the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, commented: “During the pandemic, cocktails to-go were a great additional source of revenue for local bars and restaurants, while adding convenience for consumers. We applaud the Legislature and Governor Lombardo for supporting Nevada’s businesses and consumers by bringing this popular measure back.”
However, if you do choose to get tanked up on booze deliveries, you might want to think twice before getting in your car. SB 309 will increase the penalties and lower the blood alcohol concentration threshold for drivers.
Repeat offenders will be targeted for harsher penalties, with the maximum fines for misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors raised to $3,000 and $4,000, respectively. Additional substances, such as fentanyl, have been added to the list, while blood or breath alcohol concentration levels have been reduced from 0.18 to 0.16 for mandatory substance evaluations.
Private salons
Lastly, private gaming salons got a significant boost in the bill, with a raft of regulations shelved that could allow them to operate more freely and attract wider customer bases.
High-roller private games previously required a $500 minimum wager, while the establishment was also required to provide table games. Those restrictions have now been removed; rooms are now allowed to set their own minimum, subject to the approval of state gaming regulators.
resorts and casinos may opt to offer access to their VIP rooms to a wider, less wealthy customer base
As a result, many resorts and casinos may opt to offer access to their VIP rooms to a wider, less wealthy customer base, with credit limits and minimum wagers potentially slashed. The new law is in place immediately, although it remains to be seen how many venues have applied to take advantage of it.
