76°F
weather icon Clear

Gaming in BC? Kinda…

There are only two cities in Nevada where gambling is illegal.

One is the tiny town of Panaca, which was originally part of Utah, colonized by Mormons expanding out from their base in Salt Lake City. Many of the current residents, which number only a few hundred, are descendants of the original settlers and gambling has never been legal within the city limits.

The other is, of course, Boulder City, but for totally different reasons. As it was a federal outpost run strictly by the Department of Reclamation until 1960, both alcohol and gambling were originally proscribed. After the 1960 incorporation, the city ditched the prohibition on booze (but kept it tightly controlled) but the gambling prohibition stayed.

Chapter 4-4-1 of the Boulder City Code states explicitly that “it shall be unlawful for any person to allow, operate, carry on, conduct or maintain gambling within the city.”

So, why was the Business License Liquor Board talking about gambling permits in both of their two most recent meetings? Well, there are exceptions.

Qualified non-profit organizations can apply for short-term (usually a single day) permits for fundraising. The activities are generally either raffles or bingo, which was the case with all three of the recently-granted licenses.

In their first meeting in March, the board approved a permit for a bingo event to be held at Chilly Jillyz on Boulder City Parkway. The event will benefit See Spot Run, the nonprofit that runs the older of the two dog parks located within Veterans Memorial Park. The event is scheduled for April 25 and players must be 21 years of age or older to participate.

At that same March 6 meeting, the board, which is made up of the city’s executive staff (city manager, city attorney and city clerk) approved a permit for a raffle which took place at their Rock, Roll and Stroll event on March 14. Proceeds from that raffle and other parts of the event benefit Meals on Wheels and, according to the staff report, “other vital programs.”

In a rare second meeting in the same month on March 13, the board approved another raffle permit for Christ Lutheran Church’s Swing Into Spring Festival, which is scheduled for April 5. Tickets for a prize raffle will be held prior to the event and the value of the donated prizes is expected to be $500 or less.

MOST READ
THE LATEST
City, businesses talk parking

The goal is pretty clear. The city must comply with federally required standards related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Senior sendoff

Photos by Ron Eland/Boulder City Review

One-fifth of $21M in COVID funding remains

Boulder City still has nearly 20% of the more than $21 million it received from the American Recovery Plan Act or ARPA. So, what is ARPA, where did it come from and how is the money being spent?

City tracks bills with unfunded mandates

Things that happen at the state level can have a big impact on local jurisdictions such as Boulder City, which is why city staff keeps track of bills coming before the state Legislature every other year when they are in session.

Lady Eagles undefeated in league play

Finishing the regular season undefeated in 3A play, Boulder City High School softball is riding an emotional high into the postseason, following a 7-4 victory over rival Virgin Valley on May 1.

Garrett ending year in style

As the school year winds down, Garrett has so much to celebrate. From academic honors and athletic achievements to traditions and a strong school community, our Bobcats are finishing the year strong and proud.

Project will change street parking throughout downtown

A plan to reconfigure parking along the historic district stretch of Nevada Way has taken a big step forward as a request for bids on the work is currently out and expected to close on May 8.

Flamingo Inn Motel future in flux

Just a week after the future fate of the old Flamingo Inn Motel seemed certain to be demolition, a string of events has left that at least somewhat in doubt.

Shakespeare in the park

Photos by Ron Eland/Boulder City Review