USA Gambling Licenses

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People have been gambling since the dawn of time. Be it for money, be it for some kind of product or a service, gambling has existed a long time before it started getting legalized across the world.

The first thing that comes to your mind when someone mentions gambling is probably Las Vegas. This is due to the countless movies and TV shows that depict the Sin City as the ultimate city of fun, gambling and booze. Well, producers are not to blame: Las Vegas is the center of gambling in the USA, after all.

In fact, the state of Nevada is one of the first states in the USA that have regulated gambling in 1955. The Nevada Gaming Control Board was established in order to provide regulations for the operation of gambling and licensing. Later on, other states followed like Delaware, New Jersey and about two dozen more. Pennsylvania is one of the latest states that actually joined the club, regulating online gambling in 2019.

History of Gaming Regulation in Nevada

Nevada has quite the history when it comes to gambling. When it was still a territory, in 1861, it was faced with the first prohibition of all forms of gambling and gaming. In spite of the Governor’s veto, the Nevada Legislature legalized gambling in 1869, imposing a license fee and approving numerous games. Between the years 1869 and 1907, a lot of new changes happened, with the fee for all games except slot machines, going to the county, while those for slots to the state. Then again, in 1909 gambling in all forms was prohibited from the 1st of October, 1910.

Nevada Gaming Control Board Controls the Casino Licenses in Las Vegas

Then, in 1931 Governor Fred Balzar signed the “Wide Open Gambling” bill into law, making the counties fully responsible for the collection of fees and licensing. That same year, in addition to the county license fees, the state licensing requirement was put in action, basing fees on the percentage of gross gaming wins.

This is when the Nevada Tax Commission was established to collect the fees, and in 1955 the State Gaming Control Board was created to eliminate undesirable elements in gambling and provide regulations for the operation of gambling and licensing, and to protect the stability of the gambling industry through licensing, enforcement of laws and regulations, investigations and tax collection.

In 1959, though, the Nevada Gaming Commission was created, with the passage of the Gaming Control Act, serving in part-time capacity. The Commission acts on recommendations of the Board, and has the final authority on sanctioning licensees, approving, limiting, conditioning, restricting, denying, revoking or suspending gambling licenses. Finally the Gaming Policy Committee was formed in 1961, making advisory recommendations which are not binding on the Commission or Board in the performance of their duties.

Types of Licenses

There are 6 types of licenses approved by the Nevada Gaming Commission. These are all for different categories of games and different service providers:

Nonrestricted gaming license

Granted for the operation of a property that has slot machines together with race book, gaming device, sports pool, live game, or a property having 16 or more slot machines, or a slot machine route, or a mobile gaming system or an inter-casino linked system.

Slot route operator

An operator license, allowing the applicant who already holds a nonrestricted license at up to three locations or who has firm commitments to place slot machines at three locations upon licensing.

Manufacturer or distributor license

The holder can assemble, manufacture or produce any material, equipment, device or machines used in gambling, except pinball machines.

Distributor license

The holder can distribute, sell or market gambling devices, equipment or machine in the State of Nevada.

Restricted gaming license

The holder has 15 or less gaming devices, no table games, at locations such as taverns, convenience stores, bars and supper clubs across Nevada.

Interactive gaming license

The holder is an operator of interactive gaming, manufacturer of interactive gaming systems or an interactive gaming service provider.

How to Apply for a Nevada Gaming Commission License?

The application process is very extensive, and requires filling out multiple forms. The Nevada Gaming Commission makes sure to vet all applicants, check their background, personal history, criminal background, and financial situation before it considers them as potential licensees. The Commission has the Audit Division, the Enforcement, the Investigations, the Tax and License and the Technology Division that works on vetting these applicants.

The applicant must file, therefore, a Personal History Disclosure, employment history, tax information, and many other details in the 65-pages-long form. Then, the Commission investigates the applicant’s background and reviews the application and gives an estimate of the fees they need to pay. Then, there’s an interview that lasts 2 to 3 hours, and then the applicant needs to provide the Commission with around 12 personal and financial documents. Finally, the applicant attends a Board hearing and if all goes well, within 120 days, the Commission gives the applicant the final decision on whether they are eligible to be approved for a license to operate in Nevada or not.

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The New Jersey Casino Control Commission

The New Jersey Casino Control Commission was established in 1977, so more than 20 years after the Nevada Gaming Control Board and Commission. It also had its ups and downs, with people’s dissatisfaction regarding the influence of gambling, but it managed to persist until the current day. In fact, the Commission worked to show the public that the gambling industry possesses integrity, good character and honesty, if controlled and regulated. After successful years of regulatory efforts, the Commission gained the public’s confidence, and managed to create an environment in which citizens can benefit and casinos can prosper.

The Commission is comprised of up to 3 members, appointed by the Governor and approved by the State Senate, and is responsible for the licensing of Atlantic City casinos and key employees. Therefore, its job is to approve or decline applicants a gambling license, depending on the kind of job they perform. Non-management jobs in casinos require no license. However, those employees who work in sports pools, internet gaming and online casinos may require a license, depending on the status at a specific company.

USA Gambling Licenses

History of Gaming Regulation in Nevada

Types of Licenses

How to Apply for a Nevada Gaming Commission License?

The New Jersey Casino Control Commission

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USA Gambling Licenses

History of Gaming Regulation in Nevada

Types of Licenses

How to Apply for a Nevada Gaming Commission License?

The New Jersey Casino Control Commission

Win Big in Pots of Great Fortune by Betsoft

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