Las Vegas bar faces possible discipline from state gaming officials

Nevada gaming regulators want to discipline the owner of a Las Vegas bar where state and local agents claimed to have witnessed customers performing sex acts in view of other customers, according to a nine-count complaint.

The state Gaming Control Board on Thursday filed the complaint against Judy R. Nelson, owner of the Las Vegas Eagle, a bar with a restricted gaming license allowing slot machines at 3430 E. Tropicana Ave and Pecos Road.

The complaint filed with the Nevada Gaming Commission said since July 2011 the board has received numerous complaints about inappropriate activity at the Las Vegas Eagle and agents found on Craigslist “sexually suggestive postings” for the bar featuring pictures of genitalia.

“I’m embarrassed and disgusted to think this happened here,” said Nelson, who has owned the bar for 25 years. The Las Vegas Eagle operates 15 slot machines.

In an interview Tuesday, Nelson admitted there had been some lewd activity at the bar during a Nov. 19, 2011 “underwear night” promotion. Nelson said she didn’t approve of the event and didn’t know about it until after the fact.

She said she doesn’t own a computer and was unaware of the Craigslist posting.

Nelson said a bartender, who had worked for her for eight years, was responsible for the problems and he’s no longer employed there.

The Las Vegas Eagle was open Tuesday with its Clark County liquor and gaming licenses.

Gaming and Clark County business license agents visited the bar four times between November 2011 and April of this year, where they observed five patrons “in a competition where they bared their buttocks in public.”

The 14-page complaint also alleges there were other incidents in which patrons had sex in view of other customers.

“The board investigation revealed that the Las Vegas Eagle has a history of nudity and lewd activity occurring on the premises,” the complaint said. “Further, (Nelson) was previously warned by Clark County regarding the activity and (she) agreed to take corrective action.”

The complaint could go to the Nevada Gaming Commission for a hearing or both sides could negotiate a settlement.

“If they pull my machines, I’m out of business,” Nelson said, adding she’s been in the bar business for 30 years and this is the first time she’s faced discipline by gaming regulators.

Contact reporter Chris Sieroty at
csieroty@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3893.