Bonanza High grad climbs from front desk to lead Palms

The recently-appointed general manager of the Palms hotel-casino moved one step closer to receiving a gaming license Wednesday after the Gaming Control Board unanimously recommended his suitability.

Kevin Glass, a Bonanza High School graduate, was promoted to general manager last September after serving as assistant general manager and vice president of hospitality. He joined the Palms opening team in 2001 and now oversees operations at the off-Strip resort more than two decades after beginning his career there.

During his suitability hearing, Glass told board members he began his hospitality career as a front desk agent at the former Monte Carlo hotel-casino in 1998 before joining the Palms when it opened in 2001. He later worked for Station Casinos before spending six years as general manager of the Downtown Grand hotel-casino before returning to the Palms in 2021.

As general manager, Glass said he oversees finance, gaming, marketing, entertainment, human resources, security and compliance, with nine direct reports.

Board Chairman Mike Dreitzer asked Glass how he manages the broad scope of responsibilities.

“I’m a servant leader,” Glass said. “I think my role is to steer the ship, think strategically…I started as a front desk agent, so I understand the operation.”

Glass described the Palms as primarily a locals casino, saying the property’s strategy centers on value and hospitality.

“It’s giving the customers that come to our property a safe space that’s clean, they’re having a good time, and they feel like when they leave, they didn’t spend $10 on a bottle of water,” he said.

He also emphasized the property’s focus on regulatory compliance, calling it “front and center” and saying management discusses compliance issues daily.

Board members also praised Glass for returning to college more than two decades after leaving school. Glass, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree at UNLV while working full time, said he was inspired by colleagues and a promise he made to his mother years ago.

“I just decided enough excuses,” he said.

Board member George Assad said Glass’s experience made him “eminently qualified.”

The board’s recommendation now heads to the Nevada Gaming Commission for final consideration later this month.

Palms and its condo-hotel tower, Palms Place, are owned by the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority, which represents the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. The California-based tribe purchased the property from Red Rock Resorts in 2021 for $650 million.