The Nevada Gaming Control Board is evaluating a proposal from Park MGM to establish a unique gaming salon where players engaged in table games can be professionally recorded. This initiative received a recommendation for approval during the board's meeting on Wednesday.
The proposal will be forwarded to the Nevada Gaming Commission, which is anticipated to make a decision on March 26. The idea revolves around a specialized salon where real-money table games will be played, accompanied by regulated video and audio recording. According to casino representatives, the recording equipment will be managed entirely by the casino staff, not by the guests.
Chandler Pohl, the vice president and legal counsel for MGM Resorts International, expressed that there is interest within the gaming community for recording gameplay for personal enjoyment. He mentioned that in this salon setting, the public would have the opportunity to enter the space, where their gameplay could be recorded and shared with others, should they wish to keep a copy.
Players will have the option to request recordings of their gameplay as a memento of their experience. Regulators likened this concept to amusement parks, where guests receive recordings or photographs after enjoying rides.
This proposal comes in the wake of regulatory changes implemented last fall, which made gaming salons more accessible and permitted integrated audio and video recording in such venues.
Mike Dreitzer, the Board Chair, noted, “It's the first of its kind since the regulations have changed.” MGM representatives stated that the new salon at Park MGM will feature three gaming tables for baccarat, blackjack, and roulette, with a flexible layout to accommodate the needs of patrons. Pohl added, “There would be room if someone wanted to bring a slot in or any configuration.”
Recording gaming activities in a public casino setting poses operational challenges, which is why the concept is designed for a salon environment. Pohl compared it to the World Series of Poker or other filmed events where a crew captures the action while patrons play.
The salon will function in two modes: a public configuration allowing visitors to participate while recordings are made, provided they sign a waiver for the use of their likeness, and a private configuration with more restricted access for filming.
The salon's design diverges from typical private gaming rooms, utilizing curtains instead of solid doors for privacy when needed. Casino officials indicated that the concept was influenced by the nearby T-Mobile Arena, which attracts significant foot traffic during major events.
Given the influx of visitors from the arena, MGM aims to create a space that can accommodate both public and private gaming activities. Although private salons usually have admission criteria, MGM intends to seek flexibility to cater to spontaneous guests from T-Mobile and other venues.
The Park MGM salon is expected to primarily host private gaming sessions, although this may change if there is a growing demand for recorded gameplay. Pohl acknowledged, “Park MGM feels this is a unique case, so trying to predict its use is difficult.”
The company plans to test the salon's operations through invitation-only tournaments once it becomes operational.