Nevada could assess poker licence applications from February
Operators with existing licensed operations are expected to progress through the procedure relatively quickly.
Poker operators chasing licences in Nevada may have their applications investigated as soon as February, according to comments made by State Gaming Control Board (GCB) chairman Mark Lipparelli.
Speaking at last week’s US Online Gaming Law conference in Las Vegas, Lipparelli confirmed that those already holding some form of licence in the state would likely progress through the procedure relatively quickly, according to Nevada news website Vegas Inc.
However while licence applications may be heard, under the terms of May’s amended gaming bill in the Silver State no new rules can be implemented until the passage of federal regulation.
A number of European operators have applied for licences in recent months, with Paddy Power’s application for a non-restricted licence discovered by eGaming Review in September.
After signing deals with land-based operators MGM and Boyd last month, bwin.party filed for a preliminary finding of suitability with the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC), with co-CEO Jim Ryan describing the move as “effectively an application for a non-restricted gaming licence”.
Meanwhile Gary Loveman, CEO of land-based casino operator Caesars Entertainment, recently expressed his optimism that his company could go live with an online poker room within 12-14 months of federal regulation.
It is possible that any new licensees will be among the representatives on the state’s Gaming Policy Committee, which Governor Brian Sandoval recently announced plans to revive.