Mark Lipparelli, the chairman of the Nevada State Gaming Control Board (GCB), announced in a recent conference that Nevada will accept applications for internet poker licenses from February, 2012. The conference was held at the Las Vegas based Aria Casino.
Nevada Licenses will Not Allow Interstate Poker
Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act passed in the year 2006, doesn’t allow poker games to be offered across state boundaries. Hence the licenses to be issued by Nevada will allow operators to offer online poker games only to the residents of the state.
Lipparelli stated that operators who are already licensed to conduct land based gambling in Nevada are not likely to face much difficulty in obtaining internet poker licenses. However, the process may not be easy for new operators. To get licenses, new online gambling operators have to prove that the technologies employed on their sites are capable of preventing underage gambling. These operators will also be subjected to rigorous investigations to make sure that their gambling platforms are capable of preventing players outside Nevada from accessing online poker games.
Regulations of Online Gambling Revised in Nevada
In a regulatory workshop held in September, discussions took place regarding the possible revisions of the existing internet gambling regulations. A few issues were raised with regard to the regulatory framework. Final approval will take place in December.
The regulations highlight that the minimum age to indulge into online gambling activities is 21. Gamers will be able play through only one account. They will not be allowed to use multiple accounts with fake names. The regulations also state that players can make deposits through credit cards. However, transferring funds between accounts of players will not be allowed. Operators will have to maintain hand histories up to 5 years, according to the regulations. Also, active steps have to be taken by gaming operators so that bot use can be prevented.
Interstate Online Gambling Licenses to be Issued – Provided Certain Conditions are Met
Nevada stated that it will issue licenses permitting interstate poker – provided the federal government makes online gambling legal in the country. Nevada can also allow online poker games to be offered across state boundaries, if either the Gaming Control Board or the Nevada Gaming Commission confirms that the federal law allows interactive gambling. If online gambling is legalized in the US, Nevada wants to be at the forefront of not only land based gambling but also online gambling.
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