Gaming regulators are exploring who can claim casino jackpots
A new proposal in Nevada could bring changes to how some gamblers in Las Vegas are treated when it comes to jackpot wins. Currently, there’s a loophole that allows banned players to claim jackpot payouts even if they’ve been told to leave and stay away from the casino. The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) is now looking to close this loophole by implementing a regulation that would prevent these players from collecting their winnings.
If the regulation is approved, casinos would no longer be obligated to pay out jackpots to individuals who are on the state’s banned list, known as the “Black Book,” or any gambler who has been formally barred from a property. Instead, casinos would only be required to return the original stake of the bet that led to the jackpot win. Casinos would also need to clearly communicate these rules through signage at their entrances, on the gaming floor, and on their websites.
This potential rule change has been supported by several casino operators, though some are asking for minor adjustments to the language of the amendment. The NGCB is still collecting feedback from the industry before moving forward with a final vote.
The push for this change was prompted by a 2023 incident at the Casablanca Resort in Mesquite, where a player who had been caught trespassing six times was still able to collect a $2,045 jackpot. Disputes like these have overwhelmed the NGCB, with the board’s hearing examiners reportedly struggling to keep up. The new regulation aims to reduce such disputes and offer a clearer path for casinos and regulators to enforce bans.
