Underage patrons cost Caesars

It will pay a $100,000 penalty for letting people under 21 gamble in some of its Las Vegas casinos.

LAS VEGAS — This tourist city has for years prided itself as being a destination for the entire family — from Daddy and Mommy on down to little Junior.

But Caesars seems to have taken the concept a bit too far. It was busted this week for what many might consider the unthinkable: kids on the casino floor – gasp! – placing bets.

This week, Caesars Entertainment Corp. agreed to pay the state of Nevada a $100,000 fine to settle underage gambling charges, and the state’s Gaming Control Board warned that the outfit may face a stiffer penalty if it happens again.

“This is not an isolated incident, but a pattern of abuse,” Gaming Commissioner Randolph Townsend said Thursday as the regulatory panel voted to accept the settlement with Caesars over multiple charges of gambling and alcohol consumption by underage customers at several of the company’s resorts on the Strip between 2010 and May of this year.

Board members say $100,000 is certainly not enough to send a message to the fantastically wealthy industry. But the settlement, negotiated by Nevada Deputy Atty. Gen. John Michela, was based on history and precedent.

“If it happens again, I want a seven-figure settlement or else we will litigate it,” Townsend said. “As we enter the Internet gaming world, this becomes a significant issue.”

It is against the law for anyone younger than 21 to partake in any kind of gambling in Las Vegas. In fact, anyone under that age is forbidden from loitering on a casino floor.

Caesars Entertainment spokesman Gary Thompson said the company “has been recognized as a leader in responsible gaming” and is “committed to its programs, including Project 21, which addresses underage gambling.”

Under terms of the July 9 settlement, Caesars agreed to pay the $100,000 fine and admitted to all violations in the complaint.

Investigators say employees of Caesars Palace, Harrah’s Las Vegas, Rio and Flamingo allowed customers between the ages of 17 and 20 to play table games at the properties even though dealers were presented identification showing gamblers were under the age of 21. In May, a dealer at Caesars Palace reportedly misread the passport of a 19year-old and allowed him to play blackjack.