RSS 2.0 FeedVol. 4, No.9, September 2008, Tumbling Dice
Laughlin refuses to lower bar
The Laughlin Town Advisory Board refused last week to lower requirements for new casino developers looking to enter the market.
Supporters of an ordinance change that would lessen the restrictive rules for development in Clark County—the strictest rules in the state—say development in Laughlin has been lacking, largely because of the development ordinance.
The proposed change would put Laughlin in line with state requirements of a 200-room hotel, two bars and a 24-hour, 60-seat restaurant.
Clark County law requires a minimum investment of $50 million, 300 hotel rooms, two bars, 20,000 square feet of gaming space, 10,000 square feet of retail space, two entertainment facilities and a recreational facility.
Casino owners said the new restrictions would be unfair because they had to face tougher entry requirements to get involved in the Laughlin market. They said lessening the restrictions would make it easier for new companies to come in and build from the ground up, while they were forced to deal with renovations instead.
Board members who opposed the ordinance said they were afraid of what would happen to the city’s economy if it didn’t stick to the high standards in place throughout Clark County.
Novelt Mack Jr., Cheryl Crow and board vice president Gery Sheler said the ordinance would place undue strain on the already struggling operators in the area. The financial community would take immediate notice of the vote and place additional stress on the city’s heavy debt, they said.
Supporters of an ordinance change that would lessen the restrictive rules for development in Clark County—the strictest rules in the state—say development in Laughlin has been lacking, largely because of the development ordinance.
The proposed change would put Laughlin in line with state requirements of a 200-room hotel, two bars and a 24-hour, 60-seat restaurant.
Clark County law requires a minimum investment of $50 million, 300 hotel rooms, two bars, 20,000 square feet of gaming space, 10,000 square feet of retail space, two entertainment facilities and a recreational facility.
Casino owners said the new restrictions would be unfair because they had to face tougher entry requirements to get involved in the Laughlin market. They said lessening the restrictions would make it easier for new companies to come in and build from the ground up, while they were forced to deal with renovations instead.
Board members who opposed the ordinance said they were afraid of what would happen to the city’s economy if it didn’t stick to the high standards in place throughout Clark County.
Novelt Mack Jr., Cheryl Crow and board vice president Gery Sheler said the ordinance would place undue strain on the already struggling operators in the area. The financial community would take immediate notice of the vote and place additional stress on the city’s heavy debt, they said.
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