LAS VEGAS (AP) β A Los Angeles nightlife entrepreneur who revamped the Sahara Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip into a hipper, sleeker destination is facing another interrogation into past misdeeds as he seeks a gambling license.
Sam Nazarian and the majority owner of the SLS Las Vegas announced this week that he won’t have any role in the day-to-day operations in the meantime.
That comes after the 39-year-old hospitality businessman made a lengthy appearance before the Nevada Gaming Control Board on Dec. 3. He admitted using cocaine and making about $3 million in payments akin to blackmail to felons, including record producer Marion “Suge” Knight.
Nazarian is scheduled to appear Thursday before the Nevada Gaming Commission, which aims to keep the state’s gambling industry clean.
He needs regulators’ approval because he owns 10 percent of the hotel and casino.
