4 Sep 2026

Palms Hotel-Casino Celebrates Enclosed Nonsmoking Gaming Expansion with Charity Tournament

Ribbon cutting ceremony at the Palms hotel-casino for the new nonsmoking gaming expansion in Las Vegas

The Palms hotel-casino in Las Vegas hosted a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new 7,300-square-foot fully enclosed nonsmoking gaming expansion, and this space had already opened to the public the week before the event took place. Organizers designed the addition as a dedicated area separated from the main gaming floor, and it features 224 slot machines along with its own bar to serve guests seeking smoke-free options. The ceremony highlighted community involvement through a charity slot tournament that raised approximately $35,000 for 10 Southern Nevada nonprofits, with contributions coming from the property owner San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority as well as IGT.

Details of the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Attendees gathered at the Palms to mark the official opening of the enclosed gaming space, and the event combined formal remarks with interactive activities centered on the charity tournament. Participants competed in slot play while proceeds supported local organizations, and this approach allowed the casino to blend entertainment with fundraising efforts. The fully enclosed design ensures separation from smoking areas, and the addition responds directly to patterns of guest requests for more nonsmoking gaming environments within the property.

Specifications of the New Gaming Area

The expansion covers 7,300 square feet and remains fully enclosed to maintain a smoke-free atmosphere throughout, while the 224 slot machines provide a range of gaming choices for visitors. An on-site bar serves the space exclusively, and the layout keeps this section distinct from the primary casino floor to accommodate different preferences among guests. Those who have studied visitor trends at Las Vegas properties note that such dedicated areas address ongoing demand for smoke-free alternatives without altering the main gaming operations.

Interior view of the new 7,300-square-foot nonsmoking slot area with 224 machines at the Palms casino

Charity Tournament and Fundraising Results

The charity slot tournament formed the centerpiece of the celebration, and it generated roughly $35,000 in total donations distributed among 10 Southern Nevada nonprofits. San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority along with IGT provided additional support for the cause, and this collaboration extended the impact of the event beyond the casino walls. Observers at the tournament described steady participation throughout the day, and the funds now support various community programs across the region.

Background on Ownership and Partnerships

San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority owns the Palms, and the company partnered with IGT to enhance the new gaming space while contributing to the charity outcomes. The suppliers and operators coordinated the addition of the 224 machines and bar facilities, and these elements integrate into the enclosed 7,300-square-foot footprint. The separation from the main floor allows the expansion to function as an independent option for guests who prefer nonsmoking environments during their visits.

Guest Demand Driving the Expansion

Feedback from visitors prompted the development of this dedicated nonsmoking area, and the Palms responded by creating a space that meets those preferences while remaining fully operational. The enclosed design prevents smoke migration from other sections, and the 224 slot machines plus bar create a self-contained experience for users. Data collected at the property indicated rising interest in such options, and the ribbon-cutting event showcased how the casino addressed those requests through physical expansion.

Conclusion

The Palms hotel-casino completed its nonsmoking gaming expansion with a public opening followed by the charity-focused ceremony, and the 7,300-square-foot area now operates with 224 slots and a dedicated bar separated from the main floor. The tournament raised approximately $35,000 for 10 Southern Nevada nonprofits through combined efforts from San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority and IGT, and this outcome reflects the property's approach to community engagement alongside facility improvements. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the event highlighted both the new space and its charitable component in a single gathering.