By the end of 1967, there were reports that Howard Hughes made a deal to purchase the Stardust for $40 million, although the agreement later fell apart. Negotiations were underway again in March 1968, despite monopoly concerns; Hughes already owned several other Las Vegas casinos. Hughes received preliminary approval from the Nevada Gaming Control Board, which stated that his purchase would not give him a monopoly on Las Vegas gaming. However, a federal antitrust investigation was launched days before the purchase would have been finalized. Hughes eventually dropped his purchase plans in August 1968. Nevada governor Paul Laxalt criticized the investigation and denied that Hughes' purchase would have constituted a monopoly.