Six years after Indian Springs last had a casino, the Nevada Gaming Commission unanimously approved a license to Herbst IS Holdings LLC to build a gambling venue in the community. The commission also paid tribute to former Chairman Tony Alamo, who is rendering his services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alamo is a medical doctor.

A new casino for the Indian Springs

Indian Springs is located 45 miles northwest of Las Vegas alongside the Creech Air Force Base. Herbst Family Trust said that it plans to open the casino by early June. In 2014, the Air Force acquired 16.9 acres adjacent to its base for $11.45 million. This area included the original Indian Springs Casino that was built during the 80s. The Air Force acquired the land to create a bigger security buffer around the base which is required to comply with the anti-terrorism guidelines issued by the government after the 9/11 attacks.

At the Creech Base, pilots and sensor operators control MQ-1 Predator band MQ-9 Reaper drones via their computers, using satellite links. The officers fly combat missions in numerous conflict areas that are located in Afghanistan and the Middle East.

What to expect from the casino?

The casino floor will have 75 slot machines, a charging station for electric vehicles, and an eight-pump gasoline station. It will include a Bob’s Big Boy restaurant as well as a convenience store. John Moran, the vice-chairman of the board and three other commissioners paid tribute to Alamo at the end of the meeting. He was a part of the state gaming board for 12 years before he submitted his resignation on Friday to help during the coronavirus pandemic outbreak.

Moran said that the members of the commission were disappointed because of his departure, but they understand his “strong determination and resolve to continue the relentless pursuit of medicine to fight the COVID-19 virus attacking our community at all levels. A heartfelt thank-you for the many years of dedicated public service at the helm of our state’s most prestigious commission regulating our biggest industry, gaming.”

Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak has not named Alamo’s successor yet.