Among possible regulation changes the Nevada Gaming Control Board may consider in the coming months is one that would expand the opportunities for parimutuel wagering.

In December, the Nevada Gaming Commission approved a concept proposed by Parimutuel Entertainment LLC that would allow pooled wagering on sporting events beyond horse and dog racing.

Washington attorney Harry Platis proposed a system that would allow casinos to add golf tournaments, pool and billiards tournaments, dart tournaments and motor sports to the parimutuel system.

Before such wagers are allowed, however, a number of state regulations need to be changed. One regulation covering regulated competitive tournaments would stipulate that events such as motor sports races and various parlor game tournaments would require at least 16 entrants before parimutuel wagering would be allowed. For poker tournaments, 32 contestants would be required, and the tournament would have to be conducted or sponsored by a nonrestricted license holder.

Not everyone thinks the idea will take off.

Vic Slerno of American Wagering, operator of the Leroy’s chain of sports books in Nevada, told the Las Vegas Sun that car races and golf tournaments are already on the board and don’t book much action. He didn’t anticipate a big market for dart or billiards tournaments.

By Casino Connection Staff

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