Trio granted Nevada online gambling licenses

Internet, Mobile & Sports Betting

The Nevada Gaming Commission issued its first trio of online wagering licences yesterday to International Game Technology (IGT), Bally Technologies Incorporated and William Hill.

The Nevada State Gaming Control Board regulator recommended the licence applications for all three earlier this month and the subsequent approval paves the way for the trio to enter an American online gambling market that could be worth up to an estimated $13.4 billion in five years’ time.

“We look forward to Bally expanding its leadership role in this exciting new arena of online gaming,” said Richard Haddrill, Chief Executive Officer for Reno-based Bally which will be offering its iGaming platform technology and content to casino operators.

For its part, British online and land-based betting giant William Hill agreed deals in April to purchase land-based sportsbook operators Brandywine Bookmaking LLC, American Wagering Incorporated and the Club Cal Neva Satellite Race and Sportsbook Division and the granting of a Nevada licence will now see it complete these acquisitions.

'We are delighted to have been awarded a license by the Nevada Gaming Commission,' said William Hill Chief Executive Ralph Topping, 'A license recognized around the world as a significant regulatory seal of approval and we are proud to have earned it. We are now able to bring together these businesses to create a leading position in the US sports betting market, combining our brand and product range with AWI, Brandywine and Cal Neva's extensive footprint, strong local relationships and trusted service. We look forward to working with our new colleagues to grow a leadership position in the U.S. gaming industry.'

IGT will now be able to use its interactive gaming service provider and manufacturer licenses to partner with Nevada casino operators to provide online poker to their players.

'This is an exciting day for interactive wager-based gaming,' said Patti Hart, IGT chief executive officer. 'We are honored to be granted the opportunity to support our customers as they further expand their operations to include online play in the State of Nevada.'

All three firms must now have their systems examined and endorsed by an approved independent testing laboratory such as Gaming Laboratories International or BMM International before they can begin offering any services.

http://www.igamingbusiness.com/content/trio-granted-nevada-online-gambling-licenses