Palms Casino Marks New Enclosed Nonsmoking Gaming Area with Ribbon-Cutting and Charity Slot Challenge

Uma Bauer · Sep 3, 2026

Palms Casino Marks New Enclosed Nonsmoking Gaming Area with Ribbon-Cutting and Charity Slot Challenge

Palms hotel-casino ribbon cutting ceremony for new nonsmoking gaming area in Las Vegas

The Palms hotel-casino in Las Vegas conducted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 2, 2026 to celebrate its newly completed 7,300-square-foot fully enclosed nonsmoking gaming area that had opened to the public the previous week; the space houses 224 slot machines along with a dedicated bar, and the event featured the “Spin It Forward” IGT Charity Slot Challenge that generated roughly $35,000 for ten local nonprofits through contributions from the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority and IGT.

Observers note the ceremony drew attention to the property’s latest addition amid ongoing developments at off-strip venues; the enclosed area provides a controlled environment separate from other gaming floors, while the accompanying bar offers convenience for players who remain inside the space throughout their visit. The 224 slot machines represent a focused selection of gaming options within the 7,300 square feet, and the full enclosure ensures the nonsmoking designation stays consistent across the entire footprint.

Details of the September 2026 Ceremony

During the September 2, 2026 event, representatives from the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority joined IGT staff and local nonprofit leaders to mark the official opening; the “Spin It Forward” challenge involved slot play that directed proceeds directly to the designated charities, resulting in the reported total of approximately $35,000. Those who attended the ribbon cutting observed the integration of the new bar area with the slot machines, creating a self-contained zone that opened the prior week yet received its formal recognition on the September date.

The structure of the gaming area allows for continuous operation without exposure to smoke from adjacent sections of the property, and the 224 machines sit alongside the bar in a layout that keeps all activity within the 7,300 square feet. Data from the event shows the charity component raised its funds through combined donations by the owner-operator and the gaming technology provider, rather than solely through player contributions during the challenge itself.

Role of the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority and IGT

The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority serves as owner and operator of the Palms, supplying both the physical space and a portion of the charitable funds; IGT contributed the remaining support for the $35,000 total and supplied the slot machines that form the core of the new area. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal report, the partnership produced the enclosed nonsmoking zone that opened in late August 2026 before the September ceremony formalized its launch.

IGT’s involvement extended beyond equipment supply to include participation in the charity slot challenge, while the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority coordinated the physical build-out and the allocation of proceeds to the ten local nonprofits. The combined effort highlights how technology providers and casino operators collaborate on both facility upgrades and community giving initiatives in the Las Vegas market.

Interior view of the new 7300 square foot nonsmoking gaming area with 224 slots and bar at the Palms

Features of the 7,300-Square-Foot Enclosed Space

The 7,300-square-foot footprint contains exactly 224 slot machines arranged to maximize player access while maintaining the fully enclosed nonsmoking designation; a dedicated bar occupies one section of the space, allowing guests to order drinks without leaving the gaming zone. Because the area opened to the public the week before the September 2, 2026 ceremony, early visitors had already experienced the layout, yet the ribbon-cutting event provided the first official gathering to acknowledge the completed project.

Those who have toured the space note that the enclosure creates a distinct boundary from the rest of the casino floor, and the bar placement ensures refreshments remain available throughout extended play sessions. The slot count of 224 machines fits within the square footage without crowding, and the nonsmoking rule applies uniformly across every machine and seating area inside the perimeter.

Charity Outcomes from the Spin It Forward Challenge

The “Spin It Forward” IGT Charity Slot Challenge directed its proceeds to ten local nonprofits, with the final amount reaching approximately $35,000 through matched or supplemental donations from the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority and IGT; this structure meant the total reflected both on-site play and direct contributions from the two organizations. Observers at the September ceremony recorded the distribution of funds as a key highlight, underscoring the event’s dual focus on the new gaming facility and community support.

Because the challenge occurred in conjunction with the ribbon cutting, participants could engage with the 224 slot machines in the new enclosed area while contributing to the charitable total; the resulting figure of roughly $35,000 stands as the documented outcome from that single-day effort. The ten recipient organizations each received portions of the pooled amount, completing the cycle that began when the space opened the prior week and concluded with the formal September 2, 2026 recognition.

Conclusion

The September 2, 2026 ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Palms hotel-casino introduced the 7,300-square-foot nonsmoking gaming area to a wider audience while simultaneously channeling funds through the “Spin It Forward” challenge; the 224 slot machines, on-site bar, and $35,000 in combined donations from the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority and IGT together define the scope of this single development. The facts of the event remain tied directly to the opening timeline, the physical specifications, and the charitable result, providing a clear record of the property’s latest addition in Las Vegas.