A gaming provision in Nevada's AB58 could affect whether your salon qualifies for a restricted gaming license—and most owners haven't heard about it yet.
Most salon and personal care business owners in Nevada don't realize that a gaming-focused bill moving through the legislature contains a provision that could directly affect their ability to operate slot machines on their premises.
That provision is in AB58, a bill that revises various gaming regulations. Buried in Section 5.5 on page 6 is a clarification about restricted gaming licenses—the kind that allows up to 15 slot machines in counties with populations of 100,000 or more. The change is simple but consequential: the 2,500 square-foot minimum space requirement must now be indoor space only.
Until now, some establishments have counted outdoor patios, covered porches, or semi-enclosed spaces toward that 2,500-square-foot threshold. Under AB58, effective July 1, 2025, only fully enclosed indoor square footage counts.
For salons and spas, this matters if you:
• Currently hold or are seeking a restricted gaming license in Clark County, Washoe County, or any Nevada county exceeding 100,000 residents
• Have counted patio, courtyard, or covered outdoor space as part of your licensed square footage
• Are planning to add gaming machines as part of a renovation or new location
If your current licensed space dips below 2,500 square feet when outdoor areas are excluded, you could lose eligibility to hold or renew a restricted gaming license. That's not a minor issue if gaming revenue is part of your business model.
The provision applies only to restricted gaming licenses in counties with 100,000+ population—primarily Clark County (Las Vegas area) and Washoe County (Reno area), though it extends to any Nevada county meeting that population threshold. Smaller counties and different license types are unaffected.
If you operate in a rural county or hold a different class of gaming license, this change doesn't apply to you. But if you're in a metro area and have a restricted license, or are considering applying for one, this is worth reviewing now.
Business owners should:
Review your current space. Measure your actual indoor square footage. If you've been counting outdoor or semi-enclosed areas, recalculate to see where you stand against the 2,500-square-foot minimum.
Check your license. Contact the Nevada Gaming Control Board or your county's gaming licensing authority to confirm what square footage is currently listed on your restricted gaming license.
Plan ahead. If you fall short after the July 1, 2025 effective date, you'll need to either reconfigure your space, relocate, or discontinue gaming operations. None of these are quick fixes, so early planning matters.
Consult a gaming compliance specialist. Gaming regulations are detailed. A professional familiar with Nevada's rules can help you understand your specific situation and options.
AB58 is a technical bill, and this provision is easy to miss. But for salon and spa owners who depend on gaming revenue or are considering adding machines, it's worth understanding now—before the July 1, 2025 deadline arrives.
Source: Nevada Assembly Bill 58 (BDR 41-297), Section 5.5, Page 6.