Unless there’s a change in the rules in Washington, D.C., the current pandemic could cut like an economic scythe through small gaming operators and slot routes. The Small Business Administration has 
fallen back on a pettifogging old rule that businesses which derive more than one-third of their revenue from gaming are excluded from disaster relief. Think of the number of small casinos that could close permanently. Says American Gaming Association Vice President Casey Clark, “Our interpretation and our belief is that the congressional intent with the CARES Act superseded that and made all these loans available to all entities,” adding that tribes are running up against the same obstacle. They’re precluded from both the Paycheck Protection Act and Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
“In SBA’s efforts to quickly issue guidance on the PPP, they relied on antiquated, discriminatory regulations that ignore today’s economic reality and the congressional intent behind the CARES Act, which states that any business concern shall be eligible to receive an SBA loan if they meet specific qualifications regarding their number of employees,” fumed AGA President Bill Miller (above) in a formal statement. “Unless amended, these initial guidelines will irreparably harm one-third of the U.S. casino industry,” a dire prediction to be sure. The Congressional Gaming Caucus is on the case but it may be up to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin to cut this Gordian Knot.
* Good news for sports-betting fans: The Masters has been rescheduled for Nov. 9-15. What’s the over/under that the new date holds firm? (It will definitely have ramifications on the format of the tourney.) For the sake of our local economy, we strongly hope that it does.
* Oscar Goodman has become a casualty of Coronavirus-related economic cutbacks. The Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority has eliminated his role as host committee chairman. Putting an amicable cast on the parting of ways, the LVCVA stated, “Mayor Goodman has always been and will continue to be THE biggest cheerleader for Las Vegas and we adore his enthusiasm and pride for our destination.”
* According to 8 News Now, “Las Vegas Sands will cover payroll costs for salaried employees at Venetian 3rd-party restaurants and a weekly stipend for hourly and part-time employees during the shutdown.” Good for them.
* You know that Vegas is coping with Coronavirus when one learns that Lee’s Discount Liquor has been green-lit to begin making deliveries. It costs $10 to have alcohol home-delivered … unless you buy $200 worth or more. Then it’s free. So Las Vegans are effectively being incentivized to booze up it—but at least at home, not in public.
* In a shut-down Nevada, the opening of new facilities at Henderson Executive Airport, scheduled for April 30, has been indefinitely postponed. According to a press release, the additions are “complete with 25 hangars, 9,000 square feet of office space, five training rooms, a full-size classroom, library, conference room, avionics workshop, pilot shop, parts department and 22,000 square-foot maintenance hangar.”
* Nevada has been exposed by the present crisis as having the second-worst doctor-to-citizen ratio in the country, 1-to-1,768. The only worse-off state is Mississippi, at 1-to-1,889. Both states have gotten phat off gaming. Perhaps some of those dollars should be redirected into shoring up the medical infrastructure.
* Gaming has lost a close relative to Covid-19. It took the life of “Uncle” Phil Maloof, brother of hotelier George Maloof Sr. “Uncle” Phil was 93, so he enjoyed a good, long life … but we send our condolences all the same.
* Rest in peace, Honor Blackman, Dr. Cathy Gale on The Avengers and Bond girl par excellence Pussy Galore in Goldfinger. The sultry singing actress was 94.
