In March, the Nevada Gaming Commission approved Regulation 15C which changed Nevada’s requirements surrounding casino ownership by private equity funds, a move that could save those Nevada casino companies millions of dollars. Proponents of the changes believe the move will stimulate additional investment.

Private equity firms and large financial institutions became an important ownership category in Nevada over the past decade, investing an estimated $50 billion into the state’s gaming industry. Historically, due to the licensing requirements, a private equity fund could functionally only invest in a publicly traded corporation. Regulation 15C has created a licensing structure that should allow private equity funds that meet certain thresholds to invest in privately held gaming companies.