To borrow the title of one of his songs, don't expect any changes in latitudes or changes in attitudes now that Jimmy Buffett holds a gaming license in Nevada.
The Nevada Gaming Commission approved the entertainer's licensing request Thursday, enabling his company, Margaritaville Holdings LLC, to receive an unspecified capped level of gaming revenue generated at the Margaritaville Casino and Restaurant at the Flamingo with Caesars Entertainment. In an interview after receiving his license, Buffett said he was happy with his business relationship with Caesars and had no plans of going independent.
One of Buffett's partners, Jonathan Cohlan, said Caesars and Margaritaville have kept an accounting of revenue and expenses since the casino opened in October and will share revenue generated since then and beyond. Cohlan said Buffett's company manages the restaurant and Caesars personnel operate the casino.
Commissioners remarked about the collection of academic degrees earned by members of Team Buffett, and Commissioner Tony Alamo asked the entertainer to retell the story of the "Jamaica Mistaica," a 1996 incident in which a Jamaican SWAT team fired shots at his seaplane, thinking it was transporting contraband.
Commissioners also asked Buffett about the challenges of intellectual property protection in the Internet era and about his philanthropic work.
After the meeting, Buffett said he would continue to look for philanthropic needs in Southern Nevada, noting that he already contributes portions of his concert proceeds to local causes.
"Most of my attention right now is focused on Haiti. They're still recovering from the earthquake and it's a place I'm very fond of," Buffett said.
Buffett also assists a literacy program in Jamaica and a "Save the Manatee" effort in Florida.
He said that although he was satisfied with his Caesars arrangement, he would continue to seek expansion opportunities in Las Vegas.
"I have to tell you, one of my fantasies is get some kind of seaplane operation going out here," he said. "I'm not sure how I do that, but I've thought about it."