Nevada
Nevada bill seeks to crack down on websites that “scalp” DMV appointments, restaurant reservations
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – An advancing Nevada bill seeks to crack down on websites accused of “scalping” appointments from the DMV and restaurants.
The founder of one of the most popular websites argues that countless consumers want options to “trade.”
Senate Bill 169 requires permission from a business or entity to sell spots or reservations. It creates penalties for sites that engage in sales without permission.
New York has already passed legislation in 2024 against restaurant “scalping,” and other states pursuing legislation include California, Florida, Illinois, Hawaii, Louisiana, according to the National Restaurant Association.
“Consumers are also misled into overpaying for reservations that were originally free, believing that they were directly booking with the establishment. The deceptive practice exploits limited availability, damages consumer trust and undermines fair business operations,” said State Sen. Fabian Donate at a hearing.
One of the most popular websites, appointmenttrader.com, was inspired by the creator’s two-day-long ordeal to get an appointment at a Las Vegas DMV. Though State Sen. Fabian Donate describes the practice as “pay to play” for a public service, founder Jonas Frey tells FOX5 his perspective.
“It’s not about making that appointment… now a ‘good that costs something,’ where it was free before. The reality is, before, it wasn’t available at all,” Frey said.
“The idea of Appointment Trader is to provide an efficient marketplace where you can exchange a time slot. So if you have a reservation for the DMV or if you have a reservation for a restaurant, you can give it to someone else and you get paid for giving it,” Frey said.
He told FOX5 that his site curbs excess listings and only allows a handful of posts from each user; users will be penalized for chronic unfulfilled listings.
The practice saves people money when they have to pay a no-show fee for a last-minute cancellation, Frey said, also stating that the site protects users’ information.
Restaurants like the popular Golden Steer, with a massive social media following and fan base from tourists and locals, explain how sellers and “scalpers” abuse the reservation system and make the wait and backlog even longer for legitimate customers.
“It really flared up last fall, when we had a guest call in attempting to make a reservation. They gave us their phone number and what popped up were something like 43 or 44 reservations that this single guest had over the next four to six weeks. It set off, of course, a huge red flag to us of what’s going on,” he said.
The practice among these sites, according to Nick McMillan, also creates a rise in “no shows”– which ultimately hurt small businesses and staff; restaurants also have no way to communicate with customers about crucial information for their reservations, he said.
Though legitimate booking sites have looked into the issue for Golden Steer, McMillan said there’s no telling how many of the reservations, which are made several months in advance, are from “scalpers.”
“Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Friday night, Saturday night: every every restaurant has these high-demand days. They’re just hurting all of these small businesses that can’t really fight back,” McMillan said.
FOX5 reached out to the Nevada DMV on the issue. A spokesperson provided the following advice for all Nevada residents:
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RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – A disaster response volunteer with the American Red Cross of Northern Nevada is deploying to the state of Washington after flooding has affected the state.
Flooding in the state, caused by days of heavy rain, has forced the evacuation of around 100,000 from their homes. The volunteer will join hundreds of Red Cross responders from around the country to provide shelter, food, and aid to those in need.
“Our Northern Nevada volunteers bring skill, commitment and compassion to every disaster deployment,” said Bridget Posson, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter. “As an ERV driver, he plays a vital role in delivering essential support to families impacted by this devastating flooding, but it’s his compassion and commitment to helping others that truly provides hope in their time of need.”
The volunteer being deployed is from Minden, and has been deployed more than 25 times to disaster areas over more than 30 years.
Copyright 2025 KOLO. All rights reserved.
The Southern Nevada Jewish community gathered on Fremont Street to mark the first day of Hanukkah with the Grand Menorah Lighting, the religion’s symbol of light in dark times.
The event, held Sunday evening, was attended by Mayor Shelley Berkley and U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen, who addressed the recent mass shooting at a Chanukah celebration in Sydney, Australia, which authorities say claimed at least 15 lives.
Hal Golblatt, director of security for Chabad of Southern Nevada, emphasized the importance of vigilance and protection after news of the mass shooting.
“6:30 this morning, I was on the phone to Metro, arranging for more security here,” he said.
The Chabad of Southern Nevada has hosted the event for the past 30 years.
“I would like to let the community know not to be afraid, not to be scared, to be loud, to be proud, have Jewish pride.” Rabbi Motti Harlig said.
He expressed his devastation over the attack, noting that one of his friends was injured but is now recovering. Tragically, another Chabad rabbi did not survive the shooting.
“The way we deal with evil, with terrorism, is that we fight it, by not running, not hiding, but going out there and showing that we’re not afraid,” Rabbi Shea Harlig said.
The event served as a reminder of the enduring message of Hanukkah: faith, resilience, and the triumph of light over darkness.
Steve Alford recaps the Pack’s 78-75 win over Duquesne on Saturday
Steve Alford recaps the Wolf Pack’s 78-75 win over Duquesne on Saturday
Nevada will go into Mountain West Conference play in a four-game winning streak, but the fourth of those wins was not easy.
The Wolf Pack ended its non-conference slate with 78-75 win over Duquesne on Saturday in front of an announced crowd of 7,238 fans at Lawlor Events Center.
In the final 90 seconds, Wolf Pack freshman Peyton White got a huge rebound, then hit two free throws to help the Pack go up by three
The Dukes got their first lead of the second half with 1 minute, 38 seconds left, 71-70.
Tayshawn Comer led the Pack with 16 points, White had 12 and Elijah Price had 10 points and nine rebounds as the Pack improved to 8-3.
Nevada’s Joel Armotrading and Corey Camper Jr. did not play as they are still dealing with injuries.
“We battled hard. It wasn’t our best game but we came through and got it done,” White said.
Tre Guinyard led the Dukes (6-5) with 21 points.
Nevada (8-3) opens conference play against Boise State on Saturday.
Top Takeaways
The Dukes tried to win it from the arc, going 11-33 from there, after knocking down their first two of the game.
The Pack shot 4-of-10 from the arc, and 25-of-56 from the field.
The Pack won it at the free throw line, making 24-of-32 from the line, while the Dukes hit 18-of-20 free throws.
The Pack entered the game leading the Mountain West in made free throws (20.1) and second in free throw attempts (27.1).
Duquesne held a 38-35 edge in rebounding.
Bench comes up big
The Wolf Pack got 37 points from its bench, to 20 for the Dukes, and Alford said that was a key to the win.
“There’s very few games I’ve had where your starters are all negative in points per minute and your bench is all positive,” he said. “It’s good that the starters get to see that. It’s good in learning to trust one another when you’re not playing well.”
He said the bench saved the game for the Pack, but that is a sign of the depth the team has.
Phenomenal Freshmen
Pack freshmen White and Myles Walker played substantial minutes, 23 for White and 13 for Walker. Walker scored five points, including two key free throws in the final minute.
“Myles and Peyton continue to make veteran plays,” Alford said. “That was a hotly contested game, down to the wire and you’ve got two freshmen going to the line in the last two trips and they go 4-for-4 at the line That’s big time.”
He said the pair has been consistent and they keep improving every game.
“Myles has given us a lift every time he comes in,” Alford said. “Those two give us energy.”
Walker said the Pack showed it can win even when things go wrong.
“It showed how tough this team is. Even at the end when things didn’t go right, we still found a way to win,” Walker said.
Half
Nevada led 42-35 at the break, after leading by as many as 15 earlier in the half.
The Wolf Pack shot 17-of-33 field goals and 2-of-6 from the arc along with 6-10 free throws in the first half
The Dukes shot 10-of-28 from the field; 7-18 from the arc and 8-of-10 free throws.
The Pack outscored the Dukes, 20-6, in the paint in the first half.
Up Next
Nevada opens Mountain West Conference play by hosting Boise State (7-3) at 7 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 20).
The Broncos play Saint Mary’s on Sunday (Dec 14).
Finals are over on Wednesday for the Pack players. Alford said they will take that day off from practice.
“That’s going to be a war on Saturday,” Alford said. “(Duquesne) is an A10 team (Atlantic 10 Conference). We’ve played some really good competition, so I’m very pleased with where we’re at 11 games in.”
Nevada’s Upcoming Schedule
- Saturday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m. vs. Boise State (TV: KNSN, Ch, 21/Radio: 95.5 FM)
- Tuesday, Dec. 30 at Colorado State (TV: MW Network, Ch, 21/Radio: 95.5 FM)
- Saturday, Jan. 3 at Fresno State
- Tuesday, Jan. 6 vs. San Diego State
- Saturday, Jan. 10 vs. Wyoming
- Tuesday, Jan. 13 at Utah State
- Saturday, Jan. 17 at Air Force
- Tuesday, Jan. 20 vs. San Jose State
- Saturday, Jan. 24 at New Mexico
- Tuesday, Jan. 27 vs. Grand Canyon
- Friday, Jan. 30 vs. UNLV
- Tuesday, Feb. 3 at Boise State
- Saturday, Feb. 7 vs. Fresno State
- Saturday, Feb. 14 at San Diego State
- Tuesday, Feb. 17 at San Jose State
- Saturday, Feb. 21 vs. Utah State
- Tuesday, Feb. 24 vs. New Mexico
- Saturday, Feb. 28 at UNLV
- Tuesday, Mar. 3 at Wyoming
- Saturday, Mar. 7 vs. Air Force
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