Gaming regulators OK Adams Nugget transfer

Nevada gaming regulators approved Alan Adams' receipt of 48 percent interest in the Carson Nugget from the W.H. Adams Family Trust. He's the son of the late Hap Adams, who with his brother ran the club for years.

The state Gaming Commission granted on Thursday Alan Howard Adams' request to control 48 percent of the Nugget's stock owned by Howard Adams and his wife. The couple died at their Boise, Idaho, home within 15 days of each other last June.

Adams said his uncle Hop Adams still owns the rest of the property, Carson City's largest casino.

The two brothers bought the Nugget in 1957 after running slot houses in Idaho and Oregon as well as working in Las Vegas.

Adams told the Gaming Control Board he intends to continue the family's low-key approach to running the business.

Because a gaming license is a privilege license, the state must approve the transfer of stock from the estate to Alan Adams.

In other business the commission:

-- Granted a distributor's license Thursday to a British firm marketing devices that use flashy slot-machine technology to draw more players to casino table games.

The license was approved for John Huxley Casino Equipment Ltd., which has made gambling tables for years - and watched slot revenues steadily surpass the house winnings at casino table games.

Huxley managing director Jeffrey Lindsay says the London-based company's high-tech products can help reverse that trend.

While the firm now has the license needed to market the devices in Nevada, regulators plan additional product testing before actual sales can start.

-- Approved Steven Sterrett as casino manager of the Hyatt Regency Lake Las Vegas in Henderson. The $140 million resort, part of a $4.4 billion resort development, opened its doors in December, and Sterrett said business has been good - especially from locals.

-- Approved plans by Suburban Enterprises Inc. to expand its Thirstbusters club in Henderson. Owner Ron Coury won a state Supreme Court battle with local officials who opposed the expansion, and he now plans to more than double the number of slots and add table games and a sports book at the property.