The state of Nevada is certainly enthusiastic about venturing into the online gambling market. Even before enacting a legislation that would allow for international operators to offer their services to residents, the state is recommending companies for licensing. Paddy Power and Shuffle Master are two European operators that have recently been given the okay.
Shuffle Master and Paddy Power became the third and fourth companies, respectively, to receive preliminary approval. The first company that received the honour was Bally Technologies, followed closely by International Games Technology. Bally and IGT already have successful working relationships with Nevada’s land-based gaming market and the Gaming Commission has gone outside of its zone of comfort by offering licenses to Shuffle Master and Paddy Power.
These preliminary approvals mean that these will be the first companies to receive gaming licenses when online gambling legislation is passed in Nevada. Currently, it is falling behind other states, as Delaware and Illinois have already ventured into the market; however, Nevada is dedicated to ensuring that online gambling is regulated by the end of 2012.
