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Palms Hotel-Casino Opens Dedicated Nonsmoking Gaming Expansion in Las Vegas

Zoe Müller · Sep 3, 2026

Palms Hotel-Casino Opens Dedicated Nonsmoking Gaming Expansion in Las Vegas

Ribbon cutting ceremony at the Palms hotel-casino new nonsmoking gaming expansion in Las Vegas

The Palms hotel-casino, owned and operated by San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority, marked the grand opening of its new 7,300-square-foot fully enclosed nonsmoking gaming expansion through a ribbon-cutting ceremony that drew attention to the addition on the Las Vegas Strip property, and this event introduced the inaugural “Spin It Forward” IGT Charity Slot Challenge which raised roughly $35,000 for 10 Southern Nevada nonprofits.

Each of the 10 organizations received a base contribution of $2,500 from San Manuel along with additional funds generated through IGT tournament awards, while the new space sits completely separated from the main gaming floor and includes its own bar along with 224 slot machines sourced from multiple manufacturers.

Details of the Opening Ceremony

Attendees gathered for the ribbon-cutting that officially launched the enclosed area, and the ceremony highlighted the collaboration between the Palms property and IGT in creating both the physical expansion and the associated charity tournament, with proceeds directed specifically to Southern Nevada nonprofits that support local community programs.

The event structure combined the ceremonial aspects with the tournament activities, allowing participants to engage directly in slot play that contributed to the total funds raised, and this approach integrated the opening festivities with measurable support for the designated organizations.

The Charity Slot Challenge and Its Impact

The “Spin It Forward” IGT Charity Slot Challenge represented the first edition of this tournament format at the property, and it generated the reported total of approximately $35,000 through a combination of fixed contributions and performance-based awards from the slot competition itself. Observers note that the base amounts provided by San Manuel ensured each nonprofit received an initial allocation, while the tournament component added variable support depending on participant results during the event.

Those involved in the planning coordinated the charity element to align with the physical opening, creating a dual purpose for the day that connected the new gaming space to broader community benefits in Southern Nevada. Data from the event shows the funds reached exactly 10 organizations, each benefiting from the established base plus any supplementary tournament proceeds.

Interior view of the 7300 square foot nonsmoking gaming area with slot machines at the Palms

Features of the New Gaming Space

The expansion occupies 7,300 square feet and remains fully enclosed to maintain a nonsmoking environment, and it operates independently from the primary gaming floor through dedicated separation that includes its own bar service for guests. The 224 slot machines installed in the area come from multiple manufacturers, providing a range of game options within the contained setting.

Construction and design choices focused on creating this distinct zone while integrating it into the existing Palms layout, and the result delivers a self-contained gaming experience that stands apart from other sections of the casino floor. According to reports on the project, the space opened ready for immediate use following the ribbon-cutting, with all machines and amenities in place for players.

Ownership and Operational Context

San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority oversees operations at the Palms, and this expansion reflects ongoing development at the property under that management structure. The authority coordinated with IGT to execute both the physical build-out and the charity tournament, ensuring alignment between the facility addition and the fundraising component.

Those following casino developments in Las Vegas have tracked similar projects at other properties, yet this particular effort at the Palms emphasizes the enclosed nonsmoking format along with the direct charity tie-in during launch. The 224 machines and dedicated bar establish the core amenities that define the new area for visitors.

Conclusion

The ribbon-cutting ceremony and associated “Spin It Forward” tournament completed the launch of the 7,300-square-foot nonsmoking expansion at the Palms hotel-casino, delivering 224 slot machines, a separate bar, and roughly $35,000 in combined contributions to 10 Southern Nevada nonprofits through base funding from San Manuel and IGT awards. This single event encompassed the physical opening and the charity outcomes as described in coverage from the Las Vegas Review-Journal, with all elements remaining confined to the details of this specific project under San Manuel ownership.