News

Regulators concerned about betting kiosks

April 26, 2004

CARSON CITY--Nevada gaming officials are concerned about regulation problems that may arise from rapid advances in technology and casino kiosks according to a story in the Las Vegas Sun.

Dennis Neilander, chairman of the state Gaming Control Board, said last week that technology is becoming more affordable and there are policy questions to answer.  Neilander said there has been an increase in the number of the electronic systems that make it more convenient for the customer to gamble.

The Gaming Commission addressed the kiosk issue when LeRoy's Horse and Sports Place to applied to install four additional kiosks that allow wagering via kiosk terminals.  Peter Bernhard, chairman of the Gaming Commission, questioned whether casino games may be the next to be placed on kiosks.

Tim Lockinger, chief financial officer of American Wagering Inc., which operates LeRoy's Horse and Sports Place locations, said it placed its kiosks in Ely and Jackpot and plans to install one in Beatty and possibly Fallon and Lovelock. He said this brings race and sports betting to parts of rural Nevada where there are no staffed books.

"The customer acceptance is very good," Lockinger said. "There have not been any major problems."

VirtGame Corp., which received a permanent license from the commission Thursday, has kiosks that are being tested in Clark County taverns. Bar patrons can use the kiosk to place bets. However, the bettor must have money in an account in the casino where the bet is placed.

The kiosk that is a joint venture of VirtGame Corp. and United Games.