Palms Hotel-Casino Marks New Chapter With Enclosed Nonsmoking Gaming Expansion
Drew Braun · Sep 3, 2026
Palms Hotel-Casino Marks New Chapter With Enclosed Nonsmoking Gaming Expansion
The Palms hotel-casino in Las Vegas, owned and operated by San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of its new 7,300-square-foot fully enclosed nonsmoking gaming expansion, and the event drew attention from local stakeholders along with gaming industry participants who gathered to mark the addition of this dedicated space on the property.
Attendees participated in the inaugural “Spin It Forward” IGT Charity Slot Challenge that formed a central part of the proceedings, and the tournament generated roughly $35,000 in total proceeds directed toward 10 Southern Nevada nonprofits with each organization receiving a base amount of $2,500 from San Manuel plus additional funds from IGT tournament awards.
Details of the Charity Slot Challenge
Participants in the “Spin It Forward” challenge competed on slot machines within the new area while the proceeds flowed directly to selected nonprofits serving the region, and organizers structured the event so that base contributions combined with tournament results to reach the overall fundraising total without requiring separate donations from attendees.
The initiative highlighted connections between casino operations and community support organizations in Southern Nevada, where the 10 recipient groups focus on various local needs ranging from health services to education programs, and the structure ensured each nonprofit received equal base funding before any performance-based additions.
Features of the New Gaming Space
The expansion occupies 7,300 square feet and remains fully separated from the main gaming floor, which allows it to operate as an enclosed nonsmoking environment complete with its own bar for guest convenience during play sessions.
Inside the space visitors find 224 slot machines sourced from multiple manufacturers, and the selection provides variety in game types while the physical layout keeps the entire area distinct from smoking-permitted zones elsewhere in the property.
Construction of the dedicated nonsmoking section reflects ongoing adjustments at the Palms to accommodate different player preferences, and the separation ensures that individuals seeking smoke-free conditions can access machines and amenities without exposure to other areas of the casino floor.
Background on Ownership and Operations
San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority manages the Palms property in Las Vegas, and the organization oversaw both the physical build-out of the expansion along with the coordination of the opening event that included the charity component.
IGT supplied equipment and supported the tournament structure for the “Spin It Forward” challenge, which integrated directly into the ribbon-cutting activities and allowed the charity proceeds to accumulate through player participation during the inaugural day.
Observers note that the addition of 224 machines from various manufacturers expands the overall gaming options at the property while the enclosed design creates a distinct atmosphere for those who prefer the nonsmoking setting, and the attached bar provides an integrated service point within the same separated footprint.
Community Impact in Southern Nevada
The distribution of funds to 10 local nonprofits occurred immediately following the tournament results, and each group received the guaranteed base allocation from San Manuel before the IGT awards supplemented the totals to reach the reported $35,000 figure.
Local organizations in Southern Nevada that focus on community services stand to benefit from the combined contributions, and the event format allowed the Palms and IGT to direct resources without additional administrative layers beyond the tournament itself.
Conclusion
The grand opening of the 7,300-square-foot nonsmoking gaming expansion at the Palms hotel-casino combined a ceremonial ribbon cutting with a charity-focused slot tournament that delivered measurable support to Southern Nevada nonprofits, and the new space now operates with 224 machines plus its own bar in a fully enclosed environment separated from the main floor.
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal coverage of the event, the initiative marked a completed project under San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority with direct involvement from IGT on the charity component, and the resulting facility provides an alternative gaming option for visitors seeking smoke-free conditions in Las Vegas as of September 2026.