Nevada gaming regulator sets priorities amid market pressure
Mike Dreitzer, Chairman and Executive Director of the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB), says his focus is firmly on aligning regulation with the realities of a fast-moving gaming market, as Nevada navigates monthly volatility while maintaining year-to-date growth.
“I am prioritising a few key areas: advancing technological innovation, fostering open and transparent dialogue with our industry stakeholders, and streamlining regulations,” Dreitzer said in an exclusive interview with SiGMA News.
The NGCB Chairman’s comments come as Nevada’s monthly revenue figures continue to show fluctuations, prompting industry discussion about demand cycles, consumer behaviour, and the pace at which regulation can respond.
Revenue volatility
Concerns surfaced earlier in the year following a reported year-on-year drop in May revenue. However, Dreitzer cautions against over-interpreting single-month movements, pointing instead to broader trends in the data.
“As of October 2025, CYTD Gaming Win is up 1.4 percent for the state of Nevada and 0.9 percent for the Strip,” he said. “Many factors can impact the swing back and forth each month, such as events offered, drop cycles by licensees, favourable/unfavourable calendar, and hold percentage, among others.”
Comparative data from the NGCB’s Monthly Revenue Reports for January and October 2025 underline this point. Statewide total gaming win stood at $1.44 billion in January, compared with $1.35 billion in October, while the twelve-month win ending October 2025 reached $15.79 billion. Taxable revenue followed a similar pattern, with $1.46 billion reported in January and $1.30 billion in October.
Table games, volatility, and hold percentages
Table and card games continue to show pronounced volatility, particularly in Clark County. Statewide table and card game wins reached $524.1 million in January, compared with $436.8 million in October. Baccarat played a central role, generating $215.2 million in January and $116.9 million in October.
These sharp movements reinforce Dreitzer’s point about monthly swings. Games such as Baccarat, Craps, Roulette, and Twenty One remain highly sensitive to player behaviour and hold percentages, which can reshape results from one reporting period to the next without reflecting a structural shift in demand.
Slot machines and changing player preferences
Slot machines still account for the majority of statewide gaming revenue, with $915.3 million reported in January and $913.3 million in October. However, the composition of that revenue is changing.
One-cent slot machines recorded a twelve-month decline of 25.92 percent ending October 2025, while multi-denomination slots grew by 13.86 percent over the same period, reaching $7.95 billion in twelve-month win. This shift points to evolving player preferences, as consumers increasingly favour flexibility in stake size and game format.
For regulators, these trends reinforce the need for a framework that can adapt quickly to changes in technology and game design.
“I am committed to fostering open and transparent dialogue with our industry stakeholders to responsibly support the advancement of innovation.”
– Mike Dreitzer, Chairman and Executive Director, Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB)
Sports betting and the rise of mobile wagering
Sports betting continues to expand, driven mainly by mobile wagering. Total sports pool win reached $72.6 million in January and $59.3 million in October, while mobile sports betting alone delivered $363.9 million in win over the twelve months ending October, reflecting a 29.24 percent increase.
Mobile betting’s growth trajectory underscores the pressure on regulators to ensure systems are approved efficiently while maintaining oversight. For Dreitzer, this is central to his mandate.
“My goal is for the approval of technology to match the speed of business, per Governor [Joe] Lombardo’s mandate,” he said. “I am committed to fostering open and transparent dialogue with our industry stakeholders to responsibly support the advancement of innovation.”
Dreitzer’s regulatory philosophy shaped by experience
The NGCB Chairman’s approach is informed by a career spanning public service and private-sector gaming law.
“My first role in gaming was as a deputy attorney general, where I represented the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) and Gaming Commission,” he said. “I’ve always enjoyed working in a regulatory environment and thought I would enjoy returning to it if the opportunity presented itself.”
“Throughout my career, I have also been involved with contract law and mergers and acquisitions in gaming. When I was presented with the opportunity to Chair the NGCB, I felt like this was that ideal moment where I could return to the regulatory side and give back to the state in which I built my career,” he added.
Nevada’s global position and the road ahead
Looking forward, Dreitzer believes Nevada must reclaim its role as a leader in gaming innovation, supported by clear regulation and international collaboration.
“I would like to see Nevada reemerge as a leader in technological innovation,” he said. “Every year, Las Vegas hosts the Global Gaming Expo, and this past year, the Nevada Gaming Control Board welcomed five international gaming regulators to exchange best practices and strengthen global collaboration.”
“By focusing on fair, transparent communication, regulation, and strong accountability, we are driving meaningful progress toward sustainable industry growth,” he concluded.
Stay ahead of iGaming’s biggest stories with SiGMA’s Top 10 News countdown. The world’s biggest iGaming community brings you weekly insights and subscriber-only offers. Join HERE today.
