Nevada Regulators Talk Future of Gaming IndustryPoker, Table Games and Sports Betting Rapidly Evolving |
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Despite not being on the agenda, online gaming had a presence at Thursday’s Nevada Gaming Commission hearing.
Last month the state’s top gaming body made history by unanimously approving rules for an upcoming intrastate online poker market. Commissioners were back this week to hear more traditional industry cases, but it was clear in some that Nevada is now at the cutting-edge.
Commissioner and State Sen. Randolph Townsend (R-Reno) said that, thanks to the Internet, gaming is in an “entirely different world.” He added that “technology advances quicker than [regulators] can respond.”
Townsend was speaking in high praise of Nevada web-poker applicant Cantor Gaming, which was approved Thursday to run the sports book at the Palms Resort and Casino. The business will include wagering on mobile devices.
Townsend told Cantor President and CEO Lee Amaitis that his company is the “perfect example” of a business adapting to new markets.
Regulators also alluded to the changing face of gaming when inspecting a new table game from online-poker applicant Shuffle Master. The company presented “Dealer Bluff Six Card Poker” — a brick-and-mortar game that will incorporate digital information for patrons to use during play.
A law passed during the summer allows gaming companies to utilize electronic devices in such a way — without rubbing against the broad statute designed to prevent cheating in blackjack and other similar games. Commission Chairman Peter Bernhard said the approval of Shuffle Master’s new game is “the first of many to come.”
While the gaming industry rapidly evolves, regulators have their hands full trying to keep pace.
Nevada’s three-person Gaming Control Board is working on finalizing the internal control and technical standards for poker sites — which cover details such as player registration, age verification and deposits.
Applications to participate in the industry are also currently being processed. Once approved by the Control Board, a potential licensee would be sent to the Commission for the final OK.
Regulations for a future of private testing of gaming devices — including poker sties — are scheduled to be completed this spring.
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