Gaming Commission
OKs Rules for Slot Surveillance
The Nevada Gaming Commission
unanimously approved a series of new gaming regulations
that shorten the process for modifying surveillance
systems, allow slot manufacturers to ship devices
out of state to locations that allow gaming and
allow slot machines in liquor stores.
There was little debate on the new regulations,
which became effective immediately and had been
debated at previous hearings conducted by the commission
and the state Gaming Control Board.
Equipment manufacturers and casinos have been concerned
that technological changes in surveillance systems
have occurred so rapidly that industry leaders needed
a means to react more quickly.
One of the approved amendments addresses the adoption
of surveillance standards for nonrestricted licensees.
Surveillance system standards aren't changed by
the new regulation, just the process of enacting
them.
Under previous regulations, a standard that receives
no opposition and is fast-tracked through the system
would take five months to enact. Under the amended
regulation, the board chairman would be able to
publish proposed standards, receive testimony and
consider objections before enactment, all within
about two months.
The new regulation approving the distribution of
gaming devices out of Nevada permits manufacturers
and distributors to ship equipment to persons licensed
to have it, to federal, state or tribal gaming regulatory
authorities or law enforcement agencies and testing
laboratories contracted by regulators or law enforcement
agencies.
Specific details on shipped devices and their shipment
dates are still required to be disclosed to the
Gaming Control Board chairman.
The regulation was enacted primarily to help casino
companies that modify their machines to allow them
to transport equipment to sister properties outside
of Nevada.
Two regulation amendments were required to allow
liquor stores to offer slot machines.
One of the two amendments approved by the commission
defines a liquor store. The second adds their eligibility
for restricted gaming licenses -- which permit a
limited number of slot machines -- into the regulation.
State regulations already allow slots at bars,
taverns and saloons where alcoholic beverages are
sold by the drink; convenience stores; grocery stores;
and drug stores.
While a maximum of seven slot machines are permitted
at convenience stores, only four are allowed at
liquor stores under the new regulation.
The Gaming Control Board recommended the lower
number to prevent a proliferation of new liquor
stores.
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