Nevada Regulator Makes Armed Casino Security Hiring in Las Vegas Easier

The Nevada Gaming Commission has taken steps to address the lack of armed security guards in Las Vegas casinos. 

Nevada Gaming Commission Expedites Background Checks for New Employees

On November 21, the Commission approved a new system to speed up hiring. This change lets new hires start working after they apply for a concealed-carry permit. They no longer need to have the permit in hand before they begin their job.

The problem started earlier this year when federal officials stopped Nevada’s Gaming Control Board from accessing a federal database to check applicants’ backgrounds. This left casinos unable to fill security jobs, with licensing taking up to six months. To fix this, state regulators teamed up with local police, the Nevada Resort Association (NRA), and the Attorney General’s Office to set up a new system.

In the new process, applicants can get temporary registration for 120 days after a background check by their county sheriff’s department. In Las Vegas, the Metropolitan Police Department will do these checks, which include searching for warrants in all states and taking a closer look at international applicants. This temporary registration ends if later checks show any reasons to disqualify the applicant.

NRA Backs New Hiring Solution to Enhance Security Staffing at Nevada Casinos

The NRA, which counts many of Nevada’s biggest resorts among its members approved of the solution. President Virginia Valentine stressed that while many guards have backgrounds in law enforcement, others do not, making this simplified approach essential to keep the public safe, reported The Las Vegas Review-Journal. She thanked regulators for acting pointing out that getting licenses on time is key to keeping security staff numbers up.

The Commission made its decision just in time for the busy holiday season. The need for armed security became clear in August when a security guard at Red Rock Resort stopped a violent attacker who had hurt two employees. The guard’s fast action stopped more people from getting hurt.

Commission Chair Jennifer Togliatti recognized the difficulties in finding qualified security staff stressing how crucial these guards are to public safety. Other commissioners, including Abbi Silver and Brian Krolicki, agreed with her calling the resolution a well-thought-out and needed step.

This change in rules should help with staff shortages making sure resorts can keep guests and workers safe. Starting now, casinos can bring in new hires without long waits beefing up their security teams as the holiday season nears.