Today, Governor Joe Lombardo announced that he has appointed George Markantonis to the Nevada Gaming Commission. George Markantonis will replace outgoing Commissioner Steve Cohen.

“I’m grateful for Steve Cohen’s hard work on the Nevada Gaming Commission,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. “He’s worked diligently to advance the goals of the commission, and I thank Steve for all of his efforts.”

Markantonis will begin the role on Friday, April 28.

“I’m pleased to announce that I’ve appointed George Markantonis to the Nevada Gaming Commission,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. “George is an experienced gaming executive with international and multijurisdictional experience, and 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.”

“I’m honored to serve on the Nevada Gaming Commission, and I’m grateful to Governor Lombardo for entrusting me with this role,” said George Markantonis. “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.”

Markantonis began his international career with Westin Hotels & Resorts, serving in numerous leadership roles in South Africa, Canada, and the United States over 17 years.

Following his tenure with Westin Hotels & Resorts, Markantonis joined Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, as the Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations. Markantonis then went on to serve as the Chief Executive Officer overseeing the development of Kerzner International’s Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, U.A.E. and, later as the President & Managing Director of Kerzner International Bahamas Limited. and the company's casino resort flagship Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas.

After nearly a decade in the Bahamas, Markantonis was appointed by Las Vegas Sands Corp as the President & Chief Operating Officer of The Venetian and The Palazzo resorts and the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas in March 2015. Markantonis served as President, COO, and after the early 2021 sale of the property, as Chief Executive Officer until mid-2022, before transitioning to Special Advisor to the newly formed board of the property last year.