Standing up for gamblers, the Nevada Gaming Commission has
smacked Olympic Garden with a five-figure fine.
Regulators determined that the Las Vegas Boulevard strip
club broke the law because it failed to reimburse its cover charge to slot
players.
Gaming investigators uncovered other irregularities as
well, including six dancers arrested on prostitution charges and steamy content
appearing on Olympic Gardens’ website. The violations warranted a $25,000
fine. But it could have been worse; the club could have been hit with a $100,000
penalty.Â
While not admitting wrongdoing, Olympic Gardens pledged to
fully reimburse the cover charges of all slot players who enter the club.
In other action, the commission:
”¡Â Heard black civil rights Gene Collins threaten to
picket an upcoming title fight at the MGM. Claiming that minority hiring at MGM
Mirage “is the same as it was two years ago,” Collins said “this
foolishness has to stop.” He was seconded by ACLU Director Gary Peck, who
argued for closer scrutiny of age, race and gender issues.
Uri Clinton, a diversity attorney with MGM Mirage, disputed
the claims, saying the company’s “commitment to diversity is well known.”
He stated that half of all employees are minority.
”¡Â Unanimously approved Gary Jacobs for licensure at
MGM Mirage. He reported that roughly two-thirds of the company’s 9-11 layoffs
have been rehired “in one capacity or ÂÂÂanother.”
”¡Â Unanimously approved Bill Paulos to head the
Regent Casino in Summerlin. Paulos’ group holds a 10-year lease at the
property. Paulos’ eldest son, Joe, will be his No.1 assistant.
”¡Â Heard John Michael Schaefer complain that casinos
are not doling out comps fairly. He said he lost $2,500 gambling, but was still
unable to obtain complimentary tickets for a Cirque du Soleil show.
The commission took no ÂÂÂaction and made no comment on
either Collins’ or Schaefer’s claims.
”¡Â Heard the state attorney general’s report that
Internet gaming remains illegal at this time. Nevada and 11 other states have
passed laws supporting interactive wagering, but the 1961 federal wire act and
pending legislation keep web wagering at bay, according to a 37-page analysis by
Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General Jeff Rodefer.
Rodefer, by the way, is leaving the AG’s office to become chief of compliance with Boyd Gaming.
