Dotty’s meets new law’s requirements, gets OK to open two more taverns

By Cy Ryan

Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013 | 12:45 p.m.

Despite a new law sought by the Nevada Resort Association, Dotty’s slot taverns are continuing to spread.

The state Gaming Control Board Thursday recommend approval of Nevada Restaurant Services to open two more Dotty’s in Las Vegas with 15 slot machines or less.

With the expected final approval of the state Gaming Commission later this month, this would give the company 97 locations statewide. Steve Hixon of Dotty’s said there will be 32 Dotty’s in Northern Nevada and 65 in Clark County.

Susan Johnson, attorney for Dotty’s, said both businesses meet the requirements imposed by the 2013 Legislature.

She told the board the Dotty’s at 7310 Arroyo Crossing Parkway is a new location and construction will be completed on one to two weeks. The second Dotty’s, at 3175 East Tropicana Ave., is a former bar being remodeled.

Both have a 26-seat restaurant that will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are nine seats at the bar and public areas of more than 2,500 square feet, she said.

The board said there must be an inspection by agents to see if these locations meet the standards of the new law.

The 2013 law requires a new club that wants 15 machines or less in Clark and Washoe counties to have at least 2,500 square feet open to the public, a bar, a restaurant that seats at least 25 patrons and a kitchen that operates at least 12 hours a day.

The new standard was supported by some big casinos that felt slot arcades were siphoning away business.

After the board meeting Hixon said Nevada Restaurant Services also has a slot route operator’s license at K-Marts and Food for Less.

It was also disclosed this week the company intends to purchase the 370-room Hacienda east of Boulder City. The company hopes to get approval of state and Clark County authorities by the end of the year.