Changes in Nevada Casinos Prompted by the Cessation of Penny Production
In November 2025, the U.S. Treasury Department ceased the production of the one-cent coin, citing expenditures that were more than double the actual value of the coin. However, the Nevada Gaming Control Board noted that discussions regarding the elimination of the penny had already commenced earlier that same year.
At the beginning of 2025, state regulators engaged in discussions with casino operators and other gaming licensees to brace for the potential consequences of this decision.
“We had extensive discussions with industry representatives,” said Chen Lengsavath, Director of Gaming Control Board Taxes and Licenses, to KOLO. “We reached out to anyone willing to engage, especially the significant players on the Strip.”
In March, the board released formal guidelines on how licensees should navigate transactions sans pennies. According to this directive, casinos and other gaming facilities are required to round transactions to the nearest five cents. Operators may elect to round either up or down, or apply a combination of both methods, but all rounding must conform to nickel increments.
Businesses are also mandated to clearly inform customers of their rounding procedures. Notices must be prominently displayed in areas where tickets are exchanged, such as kiosks and digital signage.
These modifications may influence operators financially. Lengsavath pointed out that casinos can opt to either deduct the rounding discrepancies from their gross gaming revenue, stressing the need for precise documentation for accurate tax reporting.
“Licensees can choose whether to make deductions,” stated Lengsavath. “It’s crucial to ensure that taxes are reported correctly,” she added, noting that some larger operators foresee potential financial repercussions amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Moreover, some licensees are considering allowing patrons to donate any leftover amounts that cannot be evenly rounded. The board clarified that such contributions would be classified as charitable donations made after payouts are finalized.
Nevertheless, regulators clarified that these donations cannot be deducted from gross gaming revenue.
Ongoing monitoring ensures that the board is aware of how the transition away from pennies is affecting both operators and patrons throughout the state.