Las Vegas Sands joins Nevada Resort Association

Las Vegas Sands Corp. has joined the Nevada Resort Association, the gaming industry's primary state lobbying organization, adding more unity to the often-divided casino industry.

Sources said Las Vegas Sands approached the organization about joining.

Members include MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, Boyd Gaming Corp., Station Casinos and other companies, including the Palms.

The move comes as the industry faces challenges in the Nevada Legislature and on the federal level.

"We are very excited to have the Sands joining us," association President Virginia Valentine said. "The industry is unified on many policy and regulatory issues. They are a major player in the industry and we are very pleased to have them as members."

Las Vegas Sands was last a member of the association more than a decade ago.

"A lot of important issues are being discussed in Carson City and across the state which will have an impact on the future of Nevada," Las Vegas Sands spokesman Ron Reese said in an emailed statement. "As the largest listed company in the gaming industry and a major employer in Southern Nevada, we owe it to our team members and shareholders to play an active role in those discussions and membership in the (Resort Association) provides us that opportunity."

Wynn Resorts Ltd. is the only major Las Vegas casino operator that isn't a member of the association.