The appointment comes 14 months after Markantonis was licensed by the Nevada Gaming Commission as CEO of the Venetian and Palazzo Resort.
He was appointed by Governor Joe Lombardo. This is Lombardo’s second appointment to the committee after he appointed State Treasurer and Lieutenant Governor Brian Krolicki to the committee to replace Ben Kieckhefer.
Lombardo said of the appointment, “George is an experienced gaming executive with international and multijurisdictional experience. I appreciate his willingness to serve our state. I know that George’s proven leadership, outstanding character and decades of experience will be a tremendous asset on the Nevada Gaming Commission.”
The panel's purpose is to make final decisions on licensing and other regulatory matters based on recommendations from the full-time Nevada Gaming Board. Markantonis replaces Las Vegas attorney Steven Cohen, who made the decision to not seek reappointment to the part-time panel.
Markantonis has a lot of experience in the gambling industry. He spent seven years as CEO of The Venetian and remained after the $6.25bn sale to Apollo Global Management and VCI Properties. Markantonis was then transitioned to the role of Special Advisor to the Apollo board four months after completion.
He also spent 17 years with Westin Hotel Resorts in South Africa, Canada and the US.
Markantonis spoke positively about his new role, “I look forward to utilizing my industry experiences to serve the commission in its work protecting the integrity of Nevada’s gaming industry and the interests of all the Nevadans who rely on its ongoing success for their livelihoods.”
