Nevada Nixes Gaming Licenses for Hertz
The Nevada Gaming Control Board voted to “deny with prejudice” gaming licenses for Judah Hertz, principal in Hertz Investment Corp. and owner of the California Mart. Hertz said his company has since pulled out of a deal to buy the Comstock Hotel and Casino in Reno, Nev., and has ceased pursuing any other properties in the state.
Gaming Board members cited references to Hertz’s “association with members of organized crime,” according to a report in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Hertz dismissed the charge, adding that in his position he meets many people—some of whom may have criminal charges against them. He referred to two people, a former business associate and the son of a friend.
“They have charges against them [but] I have not spoken to them in three and a half years,” he said.
Hertz said the gaming board members are not accusing him of engaging in “organized crime,” rather, that he is associated with people who are.
“But when people read this, they think mafia,” he said.
Hertz speculated that the gaming board turned down his license because he “was not very cooperative.” He said he tried to withdraw his gaming license application “once I realized it was taking a very long time and it was costing a lot of money.”
Officials at the Nevada Gaming Control Board could not be reached for comment as of press time. —Alison A. Nieder
