1. Whenever a patron and a licensee, or any person acting on behalf of or in conjunction with a licensee, have any dispute which cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the patron and which involves:

(a) Alleged winnings, alleged losses or the award or distribution of cash, prizes, benefits, tickets or any other item or items in a game, tournament, contest, drawing, promotion or similar activity or event; or

(b) The manner in which a game, tournament, contest, drawing, promotion or similar activity or event is conducted,

the licensee is responsible for notifying the Board or patron in accordance with the provisions of subsection 2, regardless of whether the licensee is directly or indirectly involved in the dispute.

2. Whenever a dispute described in subsection 1 involves:

(a) At least $500, the licensee shall immediately notify the Board; or

(b) Less than $500, the licensee shall notify the patron of the patron’s right to request that the Board conduct an investigation.

3. Upon being notified of a dispute, the Board, through an agent, shall conduct whatever investigation it deems necessary and shall determine whether payment should be made. The agent of the Board shall mail written notice to the Board, the licensee and the patron of the agent’s decision resolving the dispute within 45 days after the date the Board first receives notification from the licensee or a request to conduct an investigation from the patron. The failure of the agent to mail notice of the agent’s decision within the time required by this subsection does not divest the Board of its exclusive jurisdiction over the dispute.

4. Failure of the licensee to notify the Board or patron as provided in subsection 2 is grounds for disciplinary action pursuant to NRS 463.310 to 463.3145, inclusive.

5. The decision of the agent of the Board is effective on the date the aggrieved party receives notice of the decision. Notice of the decision shall be deemed sufficient if it is mailed to the last known address of the licensee and patron. The date of mailing may be proven by a certificate signed by an officer or employee of the Board which specifies the time the notice was mailed. The notice shall be deemed to have been received by the licensee or the patron 5 days after it is deposited with the United States Postal Service with the postage thereon prepaid.

(Added to NRS by 1983, 1846; A 1985, 1797; 1987, 188; 1989, 1264; 1991, 929, 2146; 1995, 1498; 2007, 1112; 2009, 286)