A gaming provision in Nevada's AB58 redefines indoor space requirements for restricted licenses—and it may affect your business renewal.
Most salon and personal care business owners in Nevada don't realize that a gaming bill passed by the state legislature contains a provision that could affect how they qualify for a restricted gaming license. AB58, which revises various provisions relating to gaming, includes a clarification about square footage requirements that changes the rules effective July 1, 2025.
Here's what you need to know.
Nevada law allows certain establishments—including bars, restaurants, and other venues—to operate up to 15 slot machines under a restricted gaming license, provided they meet specific requirements. One key requirement is a minimum of 2,500 square feet of space in counties with a population of 100,000 or more.
Until now, the law was ambiguous about whether that square footage had to be indoors. Some establishments counted patios, outdoor seating areas, and covered decks toward their 2,500-square-foot minimum. AB58 closes that loophole. Section 5.5 of the bill (page 6) clarifies that the 2,500 square feet must be indoor space—entirely indoors.
This means outdoor patios, exterior decks, and open-air areas no longer count toward the minimum square footage requirement for a restricted gaming license.
If your salon, bar, restaurant, or personal care establishment holds a restricted gaming license in a Nevada county with 100,000+ residents, or if you're planning to apply for one, this matters. The change is most relevant to businesses in Clark County (Las Vegas area) and Washoe County (Reno area), which have populations well above 100,000.
If your establishment currently qualifies for a restricted gaming license partly because of outdoor square footage, you'll need to reassess before your next renewal or license application.
If you hold or plan to apply for a restricted gaming license:
Measure your indoor space. Calculate the square footage of your interior space only—no patios, decks, or outdoor areas. If you're at or near 2,500 square feet, verify you meet the requirement using only indoor space.
Check your renewal timeline. The change takes effect July 1, 2025. If your license renews on or after that date, the new indoor-only rule applies. If your renewal is before July 1, 2025, you may still be able to use the old standard, but confirm this with the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
Plan ahead if you fall short. If your indoor space is less than 2,500 square feet, you have options: expand your indoor footprint, apply for a different license category, or discontinue gaming operations. The time to plan is now, not after your renewal is denied.
Consult the Gaming Control Board. Nevada's Gaming Control Board administers these rules. If you're unsure whether your space qualifies, contact them directly rather than guessing at renewal time.
AB58's gaming provisions are technical, and this indoor-space requirement is easy to miss. If you operate or plan to operate restricted gaming in Nevada, understanding this change before July 1, 2025, will save you headaches and potential license complications down the road.
Source: Nevada Assembly Bill 58 (BDR 41-297), Section 5.5, page 6. Effective July 1, 2025.