Nevada Regulators Table Solution for Armed Security Shortage in Las Vegas Casinos

The Nevada Gaming Control Board is taking action to resolve the shortage of armed security officers in Las Vegas casinos. The scarcity results from regulatory changes by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) that interfered with background checks conducted by gambling regulators. The board presented resolutions to the issue on Wednesday, and they are scheduled to be effective next month.

Since this spring, new FBI rules have prohibited gambling regulators from using a federal database to run background checks necessary when hiring security personnel. Since then, onboarding new armed officers and renewing licenses for existing ones has been challenging.

On Wednesday, the Nevada Gaming Control Board presented a recommendation to resolve the issue to the Nevada Gaming Commission. The regulatory changes are expected to be implemented during October’s meeting.

Temporary Concealed Carry Permits

The proposed changes would streamline how casinos hire and retain security personnel by allowing concealed carry permit (CCW) applicants to undergo criminal background checks by the country sheriff’s department. Previously, these checks were conducted by the NGCB. The new rule would allow security officers to receive a temporary 120-day CCW while the complete vetting process is ongoing.

The board also proposed that active-duty and retired law enforcement personnel in good standing would bypass the background check process and obtain their licenses immediately.

The regulatory changes follow last month’s violent incident at Red Rock Resort, where a man stabbed two staff members at the establishment before being shot and injured by a security guard. The attack underscored the urgency of armed casino security officers.

County Sheriff’s Department Will Take Over

With the new changes, the County Sheriff’s Department will provide the NGCB with verifiable receipts to assist in obtaining a CCW application. The new system will allow the board to access resources prohibited by the FBI, providing comprehensive reports on security officers’ mental health records and international activities.

“Now we’re back to doing a full background,” Kristi Torgerson, chief of the NGCB’s enforcement division, explained. “A more comprehensive background check is being done by the sheriff’s office. We’re looking at mental-health issues and people out of the country. They’re doing more in-depth checks because they have those resources and the authority to do so.”

Public Safety Remains Paramount

Torgerson indicated that issuing a solution is vital to ensure armed security officers can assist local law enforcement in upholding public safety.

Virginia Valentine, president of the Nevada Resort Association, applauded the expedited process and taking action to find a solution. “The security of our team members and guests is of paramount importance. We had a recent example where an armed security guard made a big difference at a resort,” Valentine praised the reforms.