Palms Hotel-Casino Completes Ribbon-Cutting for Enclosed Nonsmoking Gaming Area
Henrik Schulz · Sep 3, 2026

Palms Hotel-Casino Completes Ribbon-Cutting for Enclosed Nonsmoking Gaming Area
The Palms hotel-casino in Las Vegas marked the official opening of its new 7,300-square-foot fully enclosed nonsmoking gaming space with a ribbon-cutting ceremony after the area had already welcomed the public the prior week. This dedicated zone houses 224 slot machines along with its own bar and operates as a self-contained environment separate from the main casino floor. The event centered on the “Spin It Forward” IGT Charity Slot Challenge which directed proceeds toward local causes and highlighted coordinated support from the property owner and equipment supplier.Event Details and Participation
Participants joined the charity slot challenge on machines installed within the new nonsmoking section where play generated contributions that reached approximately $35,000 in total. San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority supplied $25,000 while IGT added $10,000 and top-performing placements earned additional bonuses that increased the final distribution. The enclosed design keeps the area isolated from smoke that circulates elsewhere in the property which allows guests to choose a different atmosphere while accessing the same range of slot titles and bar service.
Charity Distribution and Local Impact
Ten Southern Nevada nonprofits received portions of the raised funds through the structured challenge format. Organizers coordinated the placements so that every participating organization obtained direct support without additional administrative layers. This approach aligns with established practices at Las Vegas properties that combine opening events with fundraising mechanisms to benefit regional services in education, health, and community development.

Facility Specifications and Design Choices
The 7,300-square-foot space features 224 slot machines arranged for efficient traffic flow and includes a dedicated bar that serves beverages without requiring guests to exit the nonsmoking zone. Construction incorporated full enclosure elements that maintain air separation from adjacent gaming areas while still providing convenient access from the main resort corridors. The configuration reflects ongoing adjustments at off-Strip properties that respond to varying guest preferences for smoke-free environments during extended play sessions.
Ownership and Supplier Contributions
San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority as the current owner provided the primary donation for the charity component while IGT supplied both the additional funding and the slot equipment used during the challenge. The partnership allowed the event to combine facility promotion with measurable giving that reached multiple organizations in a single coordinated effort. Those who attended the ribbon-cutting observed the machines in operation and noted the separate bar area that supports continuous service within the enclosed footprint.
Context Within Las Vegas Gaming Trends
Properties across the Las Vegas market have introduced similar enclosed nonsmoking sections in recent years to accommodate different visitor groups. The Palms addition follows this pattern by dedicating a distinct square footage allocation that operates independently yet remains integrated with overall resort amenities. Data from the Nevada Gaming Control Board shows continued interest in varied gaming environments that address health considerations alongside traditional offerings.
Conclusion
The ribbon-cutting at the Palms therefore served both as a formal launch for the new 7,300-square-foot nonsmoking gaming space and as a platform for the “Spin It Forward” challenge that delivered roughly $35,000 to ten Southern Nevada nonprofits. With 224 slot machines and an on-site bar already available to the public the week before the ceremony the property completed the transition in a manner that combined operational updates with direct community support from San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority and IGT.