The Nevada Gaming Commission has approved new anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, following what was described as an “eventful and difficult year” which saw various operators fined a total of $32m during 2025.
As part of the new regulations, the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) will review and approve individuals to oversee operators’ AML programs, as well as require casinos to report incidents of an employee being fired due to AML policy violations.
AML compliance agents will be required to obtain licensure from the NGCB and Nevada Gaming Commission, while the new regulations also introduce annual AML training initiatives and stricter rules on when related personnel can be compensated by operators.
NGCB Chairman Mike Dreitzer addressed the need for heightened AML regulations, having said, “As has been well documented, we’ve had a rather eventful and difficult year in the area of money laundering, and I think it’s actually rather appropriate, given the other matters heard before the commission today, that we take up these regulations today.
“We heard and saw loud and clear that there were, shall we say, limitations and concerns with AML. We’re creating these tools that will enable the AML officers and the compliance professionals to have what they need to make better choices, better decisions.”
The regulations will go into effect in various intervals, with some taking immediate effect while others will be introduced in 4-6 months. Nevada regulators also went to state that gaps in oversight and recordkeeping “became clear” following recent enforcement actions.
Caesars Entertainment ($7.8m), MGM Resorts International ($8.5m) and Resorts World Las Vegas ($10.5m) were each penalized for violations related to illegal bookmaking, while Wynn Resorts was fined $5.5m for unregistered international money transfers.
The Nevada Gaming Commission and NGCB collaborated with multiple casino operators in Las Vegas, as well as the Nevada Resort Association, over a near year-long period to eventually unveil the new AML regulations.
While AML enforcement action will still remain under the authority of the federal government, the new regulations are meant to “shift the balance” toward helping the Nevada Gaming Commission and NGCB take an advanced approach to AML violations.
On April 8, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo appointed civil litigator Richard Schonfeld as a new member of the Nevada Gaming Commission, having practiced law in the state for over 27 years and gaining experience in US District, Appeals and Supreme Court.
Schonfeld will officially assume his role with the Nevada Gaming Commission on April 28, as he is set to replace former member Rosa Solis-Rainey whose term recently came to an end.
The NGCB reported the state’s total gaming activity for February 2026 on March 26, as revenue increased 1.5% for a total of $1.2bn, assisted by 0.9% growth from the Las Vegas Strip to $696.3m
