A Seasoned Legal Mind Joins the Body That Oversees Nevada's Biggest Industry
Governor Joe Lombardo made another key appointment this week, naming prominent Las Vegas civil litigator Richard Schonfeld to the Nevada Gaming Commission.
Schonfeld's term starts April 28, replacing Rosa Solis-Rainey, whose term expired. He has practiced law in Nevada for more than 27 years and is a partner at the firm Chesnoff & Schonfeld.
This is not a minor bureaucratic hire. The Gaming Commission oversees an industry that is the backbone of Nevada's economy. Getting the right people in those seats matters — a lot.
What Does the Gaming Commission Actually Do?
Think of it this way. Nevada's gaming industry has two main watchdogs.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board does the day-to-day enforcement work — investigating applicants, monitoring casinos, building cases. Then the Gaming Commission sits above them. The Commission plays a critical role in Nevada's gaming industry through final action on licensing, regulatory, and disciplinary matters.
In plain English: the Commission gets the last word. If someone wants a gaming license — or risks losing one — the Commission decides.
That is enormous power over an industry that employs hundreds of thousands of Nevadans and generates billions in tax revenue every year.
Who Is Richard Schonfeld?
Schonfeld is not new to high-stakes legal work. Through his law practice, he has served as outside corporate litigation counsel to numerous Las Vegas businesses, including entertainment companies, industrial enterprises, and restaurant-management organizations.
He has made appearances in more than 18 states and is admitted to numerous U.S. District Courts, multiple U.S. Courts of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
That is a deep résumé. Schonfeld knows Nevada's business community from the inside. He understands how complex commercial disputes work. And he has spent nearly three decades building his reputation in this state.
“Richard Schonfeld brings decades of legal experience and a strong understanding of Nevada's business community to this role,” said Governor Lombardo.
“He will be a valuable addition to the Nevada Gaming Commission as it continues its important work safeguarding the integrity of our gaming industry.”
Schonfeld himself spoke about what the appointment means to him personally.
“Nevada has given so much to me, my wife Gina, and our children, and it means a great deal to have the opportunity to give back to this state,” Schonfeld said.
“I look forward to contributing to the Commission's important work in maintaining the integrity of this vital industry.”
Why Conservatives Should Care
Here is the bottom line for limited-government conservatives. We generally want less regulation — but we also want the regulation that does exist to be competent, clean, and free from political games.
Lombardo has been working to get the right people in place. In his first year on the Control Board, outgoing Chairman Kirk Hendrick oversaw a process to eliminate 16 outdated gaming regulations, complying with a 2023 legislative directive from Lombardo to reduce government bureaucracy.
What Comes Next
Schonfeld's term begins April 28. He will join a Commission navigating a busy period for Nevada gaming — including ongoing licensing decisions, the state's pursuit of an NBA franchise in Las Vegas, and Brightline West's high-speed rail development, both of which could bring new gaming and entertainment opportunities requiring regulatory attention.
Lombardo's track record on these appointments has been focused on business competence and Nevada roots. Schonfeld checks both boxes.
For Nevadans who believe in smart, limited government — this looks like a good hire.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
