Palms Casino Resort will mark the grand opening of its new 7,300-square-foot non-smoking gaming area on September 1, featuring a charity slot tournament benefiting 10 Southern Nevada nonprofits.
Palms Casino Resort is set to officially open its new fully enclosed smoke-free gaming area with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and charity slot tournament on September 1. The 7,300-square-foot expansion, located near the William Hill Sportsbook, began welcoming guests earlier this week and is designed to meet growing demand for non-smoking gambling options in Las Vegas.
The new gaming space features 224 slot machines from nearly a dozen manufacturers and includes its own full-service bar. Unlike many properties that offer only designated smoke-free sections, the Palms’ addition is completely separated from the main casino floor, providing a distinct environment for guests who prefer a smoke-free experience. According to Palms General Manager Kevin Glass, the expansion was developed in direct response to consistent guest feedback requesting more non-smoking options.
Charity Slot Tournament to Benefit Local Nonprofits
To celebrate the opening, Palms will host the inaugural “Spin It Forward” IGT Charity Slot Challenge. The event will see Las Vegas personalities playing slot machines on behalf of 10 Southern Nevada nonprofit organizations. Each participating charity is guaranteed a $2,500 donation from the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority, which owns and operates Palms, for a total of $25,000 in contributions. Additionally, IGT is providing each organization with $1,000 in slot play for the competition.
Charities can choose to accept a guaranteed $1,000 or partner with a local personality who will compete to increase the donation amount. The organizations involved include Heaven Can Wait Animal Society, UNLV Chapter of Advancing Indigenous Science & Engineering Society, Proud to Rescue Benevolent Fund, Southern Nevada Joint Management Culinary & Training Fund, S.A.F.E. House, PBS Southern Nevada, The Ability Center of Southern Nevada, Make-A-Wish Nevada, Springs Preserve Foundation, and Teach For America Nevada.
What to Expect at the New Gaming Area
The smoke-free gaming space is positioned as a distinct alternative to traditional casino environments, with its own entrance and amenities. The area’s 224 slot machines offer a range of gaming experiences, and the full-service bar provides additional convenience for guests. The expansion is part of a broader trend among Las Vegas casinos to diversify their offerings and respond to evolving guest preferences.
Tuesday’s grand opening will also feature the debut of a permanent Al Vapor Street Tacos food truck on the patio adjacent to the new gaming area, adding a new dining option for visitors.
Context: Casino Expansions in Las Vegas
The Palms’ move to expand its gaming options comes as other Las Vegas properties continue to invest in specialized gaming spaces. For example, the Plaza Hotel & Casino recently launched a high-limit slot room in downtown Las Vegas, reflecting a citywide trend toward more tailored casino experiences. The Plaza’s new high-limit slot room offers privacy-focused amenities and a curated selection of machines, underscoring the competitive landscape among local casinos.
Event Details and Visitor Information
The ribbon-cutting and charity slot tournament at Palms are scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. on September 1. The new smoke-free gaming area is now open to the public. For more information, guests can contact Palms Casino Resort directly.
