Purchase of Carson Station wins initial approval

A Las Vegas slot company owner won preliminary approval from the Gaming Control Board on Wednesday to buy Carson Station casino from Clark Russell.

Roy Bedore and 777 Gaming must now get that recommendation approved by the Nevada Gaming Commission, scheduled for its June 23 meeting.

Russell built and opened the south Carson Street property and has operated it since 1987.

As he said when the purchase offer was announced, Bedore told the control board he intends to "freshen up" the hotel-casino. He said plans include painting the 12,000 square foot casino, sprucing up the rooms and replacing mattresses in the 92-room Best Western hotel.

He said plans also call for an indoor swimming poll and creation of an exercise room game room and meeting facility. He also said Jennifer Russell, who currently manages the operation, will remain as head of the human resource department.

It will be Bedore's and 777Gaming's first venture into their own gambling hall. But it's far from his first experience since he has managed six casinos in the past.

He said he became interested in the club when Russell, a friend of his, told him he wanted to retire.

Bedore said he plans to market the hotel/casino to customers in the Midwest and other places who aren't as comfortable going to Las Vegas.

Russell, son of former Gov. Charles Russell, has held a gaming license since the 1970s when he managed the Ormsby House for ex-governor and U.S. Sen. Paul Laxalt.

Bedore said the club has experienced losses during the recession but is starting to recover. Because of the recession, Russell was forced to shut down the Station Grille restaurant across the street.

Bedore said a grand opening will be announced for either July or August.