The Nevada Gaming Control Board has given preliminary approval to Bally Technologies Inc. to become the first licensed Internet gaming company in the United States in what is seen as a wave of the future in the casino industry.
Board Chairman Mark Lipparelli called it "another step forward but it's not the last," as the three-member board unanimously supported the application of Bally, a longtime supplier of gambling equipment.
John Connelly, vice president of business development for the company, said 50 casinos, many of them in Nevada, are interested in buying or leasing what he called Bally's "infrastructure" system to permit players, using their mobile phones and computers, to tie into casinos to make wagers.
Because of a federal law, bets will only be taken inside Nevada. And the system must ensure that no one under 21 years old is permitted to play.
Depending on what the casinos want, they will be able to use systems for table games, slot machines, poker, bingo and sports betting.
Bally attorney Mark Lerner said Nevada enacted the online gambling law a decade ago and many states are now getting ready to pass similar laws. "Nevada is committed to the future," he told the board.
Source: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2012/jun/06/bally-gets-preliminary-ok-first-online-gaming-lice/
Final approval must be received from the state Gaming Commission that meets June 21 in Las Vegas.
Board Chairman Mark Lipparelli called it "another step forward but it's not the last," as the three-member board unanimously supported the application of Bally, a longtime supplier of gambling equipment.
John Connelly, vice president of business development for the company, said 50 casinos, many of them in Nevada, are interested in buying or leasing what he called Bally's "infrastructure" system to permit players, using their mobile phones and computers, to tie into casinos to make wagers.
Because of a federal law, bets will only be taken inside Nevada. And the system must ensure that no one under 21 years old is permitted to play.
Depending on what the casinos want, they will be able to use systems for table games, slot machines, poker, bingo and sports betting.
Bally attorney Mark Lerner said Nevada enacted the online gambling law a decade ago and many states are now getting ready to pass similar laws. "Nevada is committed to the future," he told the board.
Source: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2012/jun/06/bally-gets-preliminary-ok-first-online-gaming-lice/
Final approval must be received from the state Gaming Commission that meets June 21 in Las Vegas.
