Question of the Day - 07 April 2024

Were the Tropicana an unaffiliated casino, it would be required to submit a plan to the Nevada Gaming Control Board explaining how all the money in the progressive machines would be distributed to patrons, usually in the form of promotions.

The last time it happened in a big way, to our knowledge, in Las Vegas was at the Riviera, which closed in 2015. The Riv was unaffiliated with any other casino, so it submitted its plan, then proceeded to give away more than $500,000 in cash and prizes throughout April before the doors closed on May 4.

However, since the Trop is owned by Bally's, which has 19 casinos nationwide, all its progressive jackpots can be transferred to machines at other affiliated properties. This is no different from, say, if MGM Resorts closed Excalibur and distributed its progressives to Luxor, Mandalay Bay, etc. 

Nevada gaming regulations state, "Except as otherwise provided by this section, the incremental amount of a progressive payoff schedule is an obligation to the licensee’s patrons and it shall be the responsibility of the licensee if he ceases operation of the progressive game or slot machine for any reason, including a transfer of ownership of the licensed gaming establishment, to arrange for satisfaction of that obligation in a manner approved by the chairman."

In other words, distribute the money to players within the casino's orbit one way or another.