7 Sep 2026
Palms Casino Launches Enclosed Smoke-Free Gaming Area with Charity Slot Event

The Palms hotel-casino in Las Vegas marked the opening of its new 7,300-square-foot fully enclosed nonsmoking gaming expansion through a ribbon-cutting ceremony that drew attention to shifting guest preferences for smoke-free options while the space remains separated from the main gaming floor and the event incorporated the first “Spin It Forward” IGT Charity Slot Challenge which raised approximately $35,000 for 10 Southern Nevada charities.
Details of the Opening Ceremony
Attendees gathered at the property to celebrate the addition that features 224 slot machines sourced from multiple manufacturers along with its own dedicated bar and the entire expansion responds directly to demand from visitors seeking alternatives to traditional smoking environments; the ceremony highlighted how the new area connects with broader trends in casino design where operators adjust layouts to accommodate varied player needs without disrupting existing operations.
Donations came from the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority which contributed $25,000 in total and IGT which added $10,000 and together these funds supported the listed Southern Nevada organizations through the structured slot challenge format that allowed participants to engage while directing proceeds to community causes.
The Spin It Forward Charity Challenge
Organizers structured the inaugural “Spin It Forward” event as an integrated component of the grand opening so that each spin during the challenge period generated contributions and the resulting total of roughly $35,000 demonstrated how gaming properties can combine promotional activities with philanthropic outcomes in a single coordinated effort. Observers note that such challenges often create measurable support for local groups and in this instance the breakdown showed clear allocation from the two primary donors without additional public fundraising mechanisms.
The Palms operates under the ownership of the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority which represents the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and this structure places the property within a framework where tribal gaming enterprises manage operations across multiple locations while maintaining compliance with Nevada regulatory standards.

Features and Design of the Expansion
The 7,300-square-foot space contains 224 slot machines arranged to provide an enclosed environment that prevents smoke migration from adjacent areas and includes a standalone bar for convenience so guests can remain within the nonsmoking section throughout their visit. Multiple manufacturers supplied the machines which allows for variety in game themes and denominations while the separation from the main floor creates a distinct zone that caters specifically to those who prefer smoke-free conditions.
Property representatives indicated that guest feedback influenced the decision to develop the expansion and the resulting layout keeps the new area self-contained yet accessible which helps maintain traffic flow across the overall casino without requiring major reconfiguration of existing spaces. Data from similar installations in other Nevada properties shows that dedicated nonsmoking sections can sustain steady utilization rates when positioned near high-traffic amenities such as bars and restrooms.
Ownership and Operational Context
The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians oversees the Palms through its gaming and hospitality authority and this tribal entity has expanded its presence in the Las Vegas market by focusing on targeted renovations that address specific customer segments. Nevada Gaming Control Board records confirm the property's licensing status while industry reports from the American Gaming Association highlight how tribal operators continue to invest in amenities that align with evolving visitor expectations across the Southwest region.
Integration of the charity component during the opening tied the expansion directly to community support and the $35,000 total reflected combined contributions that reached 10 organizations without requiring ongoing operational changes at the property level. Such events often serve as initial benchmarks for future programming that blends gaming promotions with charitable giving.
Conclusion
The ribbon-cutting and associated “Spin It Forward” challenge at the Palms established a new enclosed nonsmoking gaming option equipped with 224 machines and a dedicated bar while generating approximately $35,000 in donations for Southern Nevada charities through support from the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority and IGT. The development remains separated from the main floor and reflects ownership decisions aimed at meeting documented guest preferences for smoke-free environments within the Las Vegas market.