The Nevada Gaming Commission has recently voted 3-2 to reject a gaming license application for Dreamscape Companies President and CFO John Eder, thereby overturning an earlier recommendation from regulators and casting uncertainty over his future in the gaming industry.

Just a fortnight prior, the Nevada Gaming Control Board had unanimously endorsed the granting of a conditional license to Eder, which would necessitate his return for review in two years. However, following an extensive hearing, the commission chose to deny his application, adding his name to a historical list of 149 disapprovals, revocations, and findings of unsuitability since 1980.

Casino operators holding licenses are forbidden from hiring or engaging with individuals who have been rejected by the commission.

Eder’s legal representative, Frank Schreck, informed the Las Vegas Review-Journal via email on Monday that there is currently no formal process for appealing the commission’s judgement. “Mr. Eder and Dreamscape are currently exploring their options,” Schreck stated.

Eder was among three Dreamscape executives subjected to a license review due to the company’s operation of the off-Strip Rio Hotel & Casino. The other two executives, Patrick Miller, who serves as president and CEO of the Rio, and Christopher Balaban, the chief financial officer of the property, both received unanimous approval from commissioners in separate votes.

During the hearings, commissioners closely examined Eder’s past role at Seminole Gaming and its Hard Rock Hotel venture, where he had worked for two decades, rising to the rank of CFO before his termination three years ago.

While the Gaming Control Board referenced state law to deny the Review-Journal access to its investigative report, details regarding Eder’s dismissal came to light during the public hearing. Eder explained to the commissioners that he was let go after accepting a trip to Europe from an insurance vendor whom he described as a personal acquaintance.

Commissioner Abbi Silver, previously a justice on the Nevada Supreme Court, referred to state law to justify her opposition to the license. “I have no doubt you feel remorseful, but under NRS 463.170, an application may not be granted unless the commission is convinced that the applicant embodies ‘good character, honesty, and integrity,’” she commented.

“You were the CFO of a company where you violated your fiduciary responsibilities and was dishonest with your president. And now, less than three years later, you appear before us seeking to re-enter the gaming industry. I have significant concerns regarding your character, honesty, and integrity.”

“I dedicated 20 years to ascending to the position of CFO at Seminole Gaming,” Eder stated during his testimony. “I have maintained a spotless record until now. I acknowledge the grave mistake I made in accepting those gifts, compounded by poor judgement and false representations regarding the reimbursement.”

He revealed that the trip encompassed airfare, train tickets, and lodging in a luxury hotel, admitting that he initially misrepresented to his employer that the costs had been reimbursed. Eder expressed profound regret for “taking a poor decision” and recognized its far-reaching personal and professional repercussions.

“I feel frustrated with myself over these poor choices,” he shared. “The consequences are severe: I lost my job, my financial security, and the chance to continue my career with the tribe. These are far from trivial losses.”

The commission briefly considered the option of referring the matter back to the Control Board or allowing Eder to rescind his application, but ultimately moved forward with the vote.