Slot machines are being removed from the Delta and Bonanza Saloons, in Virginia City. The move comes one year after Vincent Malfitano bought the properties. Since he did not have a gaming license, he leased it to a tenant that did have one. That lease expired September 30, along with gaming in the two saloons. Malfitano will run the businesses, despite being denied a gaming license by the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
"We're just going to reconfigure, turn them both into bar/lounges, have live entertainment almost all of the time," Malfitano said.
A.G. Burnett is the Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board. He says the NGCB denied Malfitano's gaming license because of concerns over prior business operations and transactions. Malfitano says he will reapply within the next 18 months, but Burnett says it is unlikely his status will change. With or without gaming, the saloon owner says he has no plans of selling the businesses to someone who has a gaming license.
"I've made a substantial investment here with the full intent of employing as many as I can, in helping to promote Virginia City and increase those tourist numbers," Malfitano said.
Community leaders say it is disappointing to see this change for the historical buildings, but say Virginia City and both saloons will thrive, without slot machines.
"There's plenty things for people to come up and do," Austin Osborne, Storey County Administrative Officer said. "I think an average tourist that would come into town would not even notice, perhaps, that this place isn't doing gaming, anymore."
"I think, as the new owners change their business format, they're right here in the middle of town, they'll have the opportunity to do well, themselves," Deny Dotson, Virginia City Tourism Director said.
Malfitano plans to reopen both restaurants and utilize the banquet rooms for large events like wedding parties. He says he wants to showcase the Bonanza Saloon, increasing live entertainment.
The Delta Saloon, famous for the Suicide Table, will also have a different look and feel. The slot machines are being removed, and replaced with new tables, chairs, and bar stools.Â
"At the Delta, that's going to be reconfigured into a sports bar/lounge, where we'll have football games on, big screens, monitors all over the place," Malfitano said.
The saloon owner says both establishments will keep their historic look but will be enhanced. Memorabilia will still be available at the Delta Saloon. Malfitano's plan is to reopen both saloons by the weekend, in time for the Outhouse Races. Live bands are already booked to play at the Bonanza Saloon.
