Former Reid staffer turned Las Vegas casino boss up for gaming license
Las Vegas, Nevada – On Thursday, former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s one-time staffer, Jennifer Abrams, will go before the Nevada Gaming Control Board to apply for a gaming license for her new role as CEO of the newly renovated Palms Casino Resort.
Abrams, who served as Reid’s deputy chief of staff for over a decade, made the transition from politics to the gaming industry earlier this year when she was tapped to lead the $690 million renovation of the Palms, a popular hotel and casino located just off the Las Vegas Strip.
The Palms, which first opened its doors in 2001, underwent a massive overhaul under Abrams’ leadership, with renovations including a new nightclub, upgraded restaurants, and a state-of-the-art casino floor. The resort has been experiencing a resurgence in popularity since the renovations were completed, drawing in a younger, hipper crowd with its revamped offerings.
Abrams’ background in politics and government could prove to be an asset in her new role as a casino boss, as the gaming industry in Nevada is highly regulated and requires a thorough understanding of state laws and regulations. The Nevada Gaming Control Board will closely scrutinize Abrams’ application for a gaming license, looking at her past work experience and personal finances to ensure she meets the state’s standards for integrity and suitability.
If Abrams is granted a gaming license, she will join the ranks of other prominent figures in the gaming industry who have successfully made the transition from politics to casinos. Former Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval, for example, served as chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission before being appointed to head up MGM Resorts International’s global gaming development division.
As the gaming industry in Las Vegas continues to evolve and expand, having experienced and well-qualified individuals like Abrams at the helm of major casinos could help ensure the continued success and growth of the city’s gaming sector. It remains to be seen whether Abrams’ political background will give her a competitive edge in the highly competitive world of Las Vegas casinos, but her upcoming hearing before the Nevada Gaming Control Board will certainly be closely watched by industry insiders and casino enthusiasts alike.