The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) on Wednesday recommended approval for a first-of-its-kind gaming salon at Park MGM that will allow patrons to be professionally filmed while playing table games, a move regulators compared to the “souvenir” experience of a theme-park roller coaster.
The proposal would be the first major deployment of a “hybrid” gaming space since Nevada loosened its restrictive salon regulations to allow integrated video and audio capture of real-money wagering last fall.
High-Roller Coaster
The proposed salon at Park MGM is designed to function as both a public gaming area and a private, broadcast-ready studio. According to MGM Resorts International legal counsel Chandler Pohl, the space features an integrated, television-like recording overlay that co-exists with the traditional gaming environment.
“Our MGM interactive team has believed there is some interest in the gaming community for the recording of people’s play for their enjoyment,” Pohl told the board during the Wednesday hearing, as reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Under the “public” configuration, any patron who hits a jackpot can instantly download a high-def, multi-angle clip of their win to share on social media — much like a digital souvenir from a thrill ride.
The salon will also convert to a private studio for influencers and celebrities. MGM executives noted that the salon’s location is no accident. Situated near the T-Mobile Arena, the space is intended to capture the “natural flow” of athletes and celebrities who want a private, high-tech environment to document their play for social media or personal use. (The public would be directed to leave during private recording sessions.)
This marks the continuation of a radical shift for the Las Vegas Strip, where filming table games used to be the fastest way for guests to get a back-of-house tour from security guards.
Social Hour
If approved for a professional-grade studio for live-action table games, as expected, Park MGM will join three other properties that have built permanent homes for gaming content creators and other social media influencers.
- HyperX Arena, Luxor
Opened in March 2018, this 30,000-square-foot broadcast center was built for esports and videogame streamers. Its OMEN Streamer Room allows creators to broadcast live from a glass booth at the front entrance, though it is strictly limited to digital gaming and PC content. - Kingpin and Hardwood Production Suites, Palms
Remodeled in November 2018, these two high-roller suites are ready-made production sets, selling production packages to creators including MrBeast. This distinguishes them from high-roller suites in other resorts, which do not allow professional crews (tripods, lights, etc.) to film without paid media permits. - Vegas Live Casino Network , The Plaza (downtown)
Opened in January 2021 as Brian Christopher Slots, it was expanded in February to also include dedicated a live-streaming studio featuring copyright-free music and specialized lighting for YouTubers to stream their own slot, blackjack, roulette, and baccarat play.
The NGCB’s recommendation moves to the Nevada Gaming Commission, which is expected to vote to approve the Park MGM salon during its March 26 meeting.
The post Park MGM to Launch Vegas’ First ‘Broadcast-Ready’ Recording Gaming Salon appeared first on Casino.org.