Las Vegas Sands Considers Gambling on Air Flights
Baccarat is the game these days for most high-rolling gamblers, in both Macau and Las Vegas; but how to pass the time while being whisked from one of the gambling meccas to the other by private casino jet? Las Vegas Sands owner Sheldon Adelson has an idea, and it seems to be legal: play baccarat.
Although a 1994 law appeared to remove any possibility of legal gambling on by disallowing the operation of gaming devices on flights in or out of the United States, several loopholes have developed allowing Sands to potentially begin play on its charter flights for high-rollers.
FAA spokesmen have noted that the law essentially binds commercial aircraft, but does not include private or charter flights. One FAA representative said the FAA does not regulate gambling, nor does it have the authority to tell people they cannot gamble.
Furthermore, the 1994 law applies to electronic devices, such as slots; all Sands' flights would only include table games, which do not appear prohibited.
Several airlines had experimented with in-transit gambling before the law was enacted. However, the crash of Swissair Flight 111 was attributed to the electronic gambling entertainment package inside the aircraft, which apparently caught fire. This, along with the law, chilled airline plans for gambling.
Harrah's attempted to develop an electronic system for aircraft, but discontinued the project due to recurring technical problems. MGM Mirage had not pursued the idea, as the company thought the law explicitly ruled out all forms of gambling. Steve Wynn also considered the idea, but dropped it.
Although inflight gambling might be tax-free for the operator, previous law regarding the operation of out-of-state gaming enterprises by Nevada companies would apply, requiring periodic reports to the Nevada Gaming Control Board regarding auditing and surveillance procedures, as well as maintaining honesty in games.
