EDITORIAL: Remembering Faiss

Bob Faiss probably feels a bit embarrassed right now.

Mr. Faiss, one of the most accomplished and important attorneys in Nevada, died June 4 at age 79 at Boulder City Hospital after a long fight with cancer. The reaction from the state’s political, legal and gaming industry leaders appropriately has acknowledged Mr. Faiss’ incalculable contributions to the state economy and the evolution of the casino industry, as well as the warm and generous spirit that belied his influence.

Looking down on it all, as his family and many friends prepare for Friday’s 3 p.m. memorial service at the Fifth Street School, Mr. Faiss no doubt would like someone to step forward and change the subject.

“Bob never talked about himself,” his wife, Linda Faiss, told the Review-Journal’s Howard Stutz last week. “He always tried to give credit to others. He never needed the glory. He loved his clients and loved the state. He was a remarkable man.”

Yes, he was. Mr. Faiss chaired the gaming and regulatory law department at Lionel, Sawyer &Collins, where he spent his entire legal career. He not only shaped much of Nevada’s gaming law, which became the standard by which regulatory structures in other jurisdictions and countries would be judged, he was instrumental in the expansion of Nevada-based casino companies into other states and countries.

He helped gaming companies transition from private to corporate ownership, and he had a hand in the limited legalization of Internet-based wagering. As reported by Mr. Stutz, over the years Mr. Faiss represented many of the Strip’s largest figures, from Howard Hughes to Kirk Kerkorian to Terry Lanni.

It is not a coincidence that Mr. Faiss’ four-decade career overlapped the legitimization of casino gambling. Without well-written law and sound regulation, other states never would have allowed casinos. Indeed, an American Gaming Association survey released Tuesday found 87 percent of respondents think gambling is an acceptable activity.

“Nevada and the global casino resort industry have lost a leading light in the passing of Bob Faiss,” MGM Resorts Chairman Jim Murren said in a statement. “Here in Nevada, his contributions to his native state, its economy and its people cannot possibly be overstated.”

The humble Mr. Faiss would never admit as much, of course. He didn’t work for recognition. He’ll have to learn to be comfortable with it. A whole lot more is coming between now and Friday. He deserves every bit of it. And he’ll be missed.