The Nevada Gaming Commission has a new member. As April was winding down, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak appointed George Markantonis to the position.
The former president and CEO of The Venetian is now part of the five-person commission. Markantonis is replacing Las Vegas attorney Steven Cohen.
Sisolak highlighted Markantonis’ gaming experience in announcing the appointment.
“George is an experienced gaming executive with international and multi-jurisdictional expertise, and I appreciate his willingness to serve our state. I know that George’s proven leadership, outstanding character, and years of experience will be a valuable asset to the Nevada Gaming Commission.”
Markantonis includes several years regarding gaming knowledge
Markantonis
Unlike his predecessor, Markantonis brings years of experience from the Nevada casino industry. Former Gov. Steve Sisolak appointed Cohen to the commission in 2019. He chose not to be reappointed for the part-time position.
Former Judge Jennifer Togliatti was appointed chair of the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) in 2021.
It’s somewhat surprising to learn that Markantonis is only the second former gaming executive in the history of Nevada to serve on the NGC. The only other NGC member with industry experience from the casino side was Michonne Ascuaga. The former executive at Sparks Nugget was appointed to the commission by then-Gov. Brian Sandoval in 2015.
In a statement regarding his new position on the NGC, Markantonis said:
“I look forward to utilizing my industry experiences to serve the commission in its work protecting the integrity of Nevada’s gaming industry and the interests of all Nevadans who rely on its continued success for their livelihoods.”
Markantonis brings both Las Vegas casino and international hospitality experience to the NGC. Markantonis was CEO of The Venetian for eight years. He departed after The Venetian was sold and Apollo Gaming took over operations of the property.
Markantonis also gives years of food experience to be able to commission
Ahead of his time at The Venetian, Markantonis worked at various companies in the hospitality and gaming industry.
He worked with Westin Hotels & Resorts for 17 years, holding various roles with the company in South Africa, Europe, and the US. His next position was with Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, where he served as the senior vice president of hotel operations.
Markantonis also served as CEO of Kerzner International, where he played a role in the development of the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island, Bahamas, as well as The Palm in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
As a member of the commission, he will be involved in making final decisions on licenses and other regulatory matters, as advised by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB).
NGC enforces state regulations on game playing
The NGC was created in the 1950s. The governor of Nevada appoints all five members of the commission to four-year terms, and one member serves as the chairman.
The NGCB makes recommendations to the NGC regarding gaming licenses. The commission has the authority to approve, restrict, limit, condition, deny, revoke, or suspend any gaming license.
Additionally, the NGC is responsible for adopting gaming regulations and enforcing the state laws governing gaming.
Marc spent his youth on the iconic streets of your South Bronx. He is a Yankees and Airline fan, which in turn explains his often opposing views on life. Mark is a Durham-based writer and even a social media consultant. Writing about beef, booze, gambling, and Vegas is a tough job, but someone has to do it.
