UPDATE:  The casino set to be built at Legends Shopping Center in Sparks has a 6-month building permit, which was received 2 weeks ago. The hotels are waiting for Legends Bay Casino to be built. It's been months since the casino's building site itself has seen any action. The owner, Olympia Gaming, says the pandemic is a factor.

The company says plans for the actual construction may be held off for awhile. "We're in the midst of a pandemic. so we're approaching the project with some caution," said Olympia Gaming Chief Marketing & Development Officer DeCourcy W. Graham Jr.

Olympia Gaming says the pandemic and the current state of the gaming market has convinced them to hold off on building Legends Bay Casino. The company is going to monitor the situation and not build until conditions improve.

"It's going to be a huge loss for the city of Sparks considering the unemployment rates. Building a casino would bring so many jobs to the area," said local resident Chakondra Harts. "I am glad they are not going to build a casino right now. Because I think the marina is a really family focused place. I really like that I can walk my dogs here all the time and feel safe," said local resident Jennifer West.

In June, the casino's look was changed to include more glass and stone. Plans for a sportsbook, and a stage that opens up onto the casino floor remain the same. Construction on the 3 to 5 restaurants inside, however, may have to be adjusted to address pandemic restrictions. "Our designs will need to be flexible. If we have a space that dedicated to a buffet, we may build that out as a different use with the ability to change back to a buffet," said Graham.

There may also have to be flexibility with the gaming floor,which was originally slated for 700 slot machines and 10-15 table games. "We have to keep it all subject to spacing requirements per the Nevada Gaming Control Board and the state of Nevada," said Graham.

Once Olympia Gaming does give the go ahead, they expect building to take 12-16 months to complete. The company says it is still planning on going ahead with the project, just not in current conditions.

UPDATE: The City of Sparks issued a building permit for construction of the Legends Bay casino in September 2020.

There’s no ground breaking date set yet and COVID-19 played a part in that decision.  

Olympia Gaming is monitoring the market in Washoe County and are hopeful about the situation and hope conditions improve.

On Thursday, Sparks City Planning Commissioners are scheduled to discuss a possible new 60,000 square foot casino at the Legends shopping center.  

Property owner Olympia Gaming CRS, LLC wants to build 'Legends Bay Casino' on nearly nine acres of land near 100 Legends Bay Drive in Sparks, west of Sparks Blvd., north of I-80, and east of the Sparks Marina. 

The Community Services Department recommends the planning commission deny the plan because the architectural drawings don’t conform to the city’s Planned Development Handbook first approved in 2006, and most recently amended last month. 

The planning commission has already approved a building permit for the property, but now Olympia Gaming CRS, LLC wants to modify previously approved exterior design elements. 

Commissioners will hold their meeting online via Zoom at 6 p.m. on Thursday on the City's Facebook page. 

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