Palms Hotel-Casino Marks New Nonsmoking Gaming Expansion with Charity Slot Event

The Palms hotel-casino in Las Vegas conducted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 1, 2026, to celebrate its newly completed 7,300-square-foot nonsmoking gaming expansion that had already opened to guests the week before. The event highlighted the property's response to ongoing visitor requests for additional smoke-free gambling options while also launching the first “Spin It Forward” IGT Charity Slot Challenge. This initiative generated approximately $35,000 in donations distributed among ten Southern Nevada nonprofits through contributions from the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority and IGT.

Details of the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Guests and representatives gathered at the Palms for the September 1 ceremony that formally recognized the enclosed gaming area featuring 224 slot machines along with a dedicated bar. The space sits fully separated from other casino sections to maintain a consistent smoke-free environment. Organizers timed the public opening for the prior week so that players could already experience the new machines and amenities before the official event took place. The ceremony itself served as both a celebration of the physical expansion and the kickoff for the charity slot challenge that ran throughout the day.

The Inaugural Spin It Forward Charity Slot Challenge

Participants took part in the “Spin It Forward” IGT Charity Slot Challenge which directed a portion of play proceeds toward local nonprofits. The combined support from the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority and IGT produced roughly $35,000 in total donations split across ten organizations serving Southern Nevada communities. This marked the first time the challenge format appeared at the property and it aligned with the opening of the new gaming space to draw additional attention to both the expansion and the charitable component. Observers noted that the event structure allowed guests to enjoy the nonsmoking slots while contributing to the fundraising effort in a single visit.

Features of the New Gaming Space

The 7,300-square-foot addition contains 224 slot machines arranged within a fully enclosed environment that prevents smoke from adjacent areas. A standalone bar provides refreshments without requiring guests to leave the smoke-free zone. Development of the space followed repeated feedback from visitors seeking more nonsmoking gambling choices at the property. The design keeps the area distinct while integrating it into the overall casino layout so that players can move between sections easily when desired. Since the public opening occurred the week before the ceremony, early users had already tested the machines and reported on the comfort of the enclosed setting.

Background on Ownership and Partnerships

The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority operates the Palms and supplied part of the funding for both the physical expansion and the charity donations. IGT provided the slot machines along with additional support for the “Spin It Forward” challenge. These partnerships enabled the rapid completion of the project and the simultaneous launch of the fundraising component. According to coverage in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the combined resources from the authority and IGT allowed the property to address guest demand while directing proceeds to local causes during the opening period.

Impact on Southern Nevada Nonprofits

Ten organizations in Southern Nevada received portions of the $35,000 raised through the inaugural challenge. The distribution occurred as part of the same September 1 ceremony that celebrated the gaming expansion. By tying the slot event directly to the new space opening, the Palms created a unified occasion that highlighted both operational growth and community support. The nonprofits benefited from the immediate funds generated during the challenge while the property gained visibility for its new smoke-free offering among attendees and media present at the ribbon-cutting.

Conclusion

The September 1, 2026, ribbon-cutting at the Palms hotel-casino introduced a 7,300-square-foot nonsmoking gaming area equipped with 224 slots and its own bar while simultaneously debuting the “Spin It Forward” IGT Charity Slot Challenge. The event produced roughly $35,000 for ten Southern Nevada nonprofits through contributions by the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority and IGT. The project itself responded to documented guest requests for expanded smoke-free options. With the space already open to the public the prior week, the ceremony served to formalize both the physical addition and the charitable partnership in one coordinated occasion.