The Nevada Gaming Commission approved a gaming license Thursday for Tim Lager, the general manager of the Four Queens Hotel and Casinos, who highlighted the property’s $24 million renovation.
The extensive renovations are underway in the 300-room North Tower that was built in 1966 on Fremont Street. The hotel has been adding new carpet, furnishings, and heating, air, and plumbing systems. The bathrooms have been expanded and sound-dampening windows added to blunt the sound from Fremont Street. The 400-room South Tower was previously renovated.
North Tower renovations started in June and are expected to be completed by the end of the summer.
Besides Lager, the Commission also licensed Leslie Martin as chief financial officer of both the Four Queens and its sister property Binion’s Gambling Hall & Hotel.
Lager told the Commission that business is good. “Obviously, last year was a little softer, because of the economy, but we think things will look up. Right now, we’re remodeling 300 rooms and we want to keep reinvesting in downtown. We know it’s going to be bright.”
Commissioner Rosa Solis-Rainey said she likes to hear that, given the historic nature of the downtown properties.
“With our Hugo’s and steakhouse, that’s old-school Vegas,” Lager agreed.
The Commission issued several gaming licenses on Thursday. They included Frank Cassella, a senior vice president of finance with the Hard Rock Las Vegas, Oliver Hai Wei Chow, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Light & Wonder, and Halise Uysal, secretary/treasurer and chief financial officer of Affinity Interactive. Affinity operates the Silver Sevens Hotel & Casino as well as properties in Primm.
Phil Katsaros, a former member of the Gaming Control Board, was approved for enrollment to practice as an agent before the Board and Commission. He said it’s not his intent to do this full time and that he’s working as a consultant for clients outside the state.
