(Associated Press via Newsedge) Slot machine giant International Game Technology was approved by Nevada regulators to compete in an emerging market for hand-held, mobile gambling devices.
Members of the state Gaming Commission, following up on a recommendation from the state Gaming Control Board, voted unanimously to approve the Reno-based slot manufacturer for licensing as an operator of mobile gambling systems.
IGT's move follows licensing in May of Cantor Gaming as the state's first licensed manufacturer and distributor of the wireless gadgets. Cantor led the 2005 legislative effort to allow wireless gambling in Nevada.
The commission approved IGT's new licensing after Amy Monette, director of the company's research laboratory, said market studies show many gamblers are interested in the new devices.
'We feel that becoming an early player is worth the financial risk,' Monette added as commissioners fiddled with prototypes of the IGT devices that will feature blackjack, poker, video slots, roulette and keno.
Regulations passed in March, based on the 2005 legislation, made Nevada the first state to allow wireless gambling in any public area of a casino, including restaurants, lounges and poolsides. Hotel rooms or other locations that can't be supervised are off-limits.
Advocates say the move will better use resort space that is increasingly being devoted to non-gambling activity, such as shopping, dining and night-clubbing.
Under state and federal law, the new systems can't be linked to the lucrative world of Internet betting.
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