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September 21, 2006 |
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| IGT, FortuNet, Progressive Gaming latest to receive mobile gaming approvals | |||
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Reno-based International Game Technology
and Las Vegas-based companies FortuNet Inc. and Progressive Gaming
have been approved by the Nevada Gaming Commission and the Nevada
Gaming Control Board to operate wireless wagering devices. The
companies join Cantor Gaming as those approved in the state for
mobile gaming products.
FortuNet Chief Marketing Officer Jack Coronel told the Associated Press that his company will begin to adapt its portable bingo devices to play other games. “What you see in the field today is the product, we're just adding additional games to it,” he said. Control Board Chairman Dennis Neilander said it could take six months before the devices find their way into operation on casino floors. IGT’s Amy Monette, director of the company’s research laboratory, told the state’s gaming commissioners that market studies showed there is demand for the devices among gamblers. Prototypes of the IGT devices shown to the commission, and will eventually feature a range of games that include blackjack, poker, video slots, roulette and keno. “We feel that becoming an early player is worth the financial risk,” she said. Wireless gaming devices have been touted as a way for resort-casinos to maintain a steady revenue stream from games of chance, while utilizing space in their properties for the growing trend of nongaming amenities. The technology’s critics have questioned the ability to keep the devices out of the hands of minors and compulsive gamblers, but companies developing the products have said strict security and integrity measures are being added. Among IGT’s considered efforts: biometric fingerprint readers and player security codes. The devices are also limited to public areas of the casino-resort, such as restaurants or the pool areas in order to maintain better control. But when it comes to stopping every minor from using the handheld devices, Monette warned: “we can’t control the parents.” Progressive Gaming, meanwhile, received approval to field test a wireless version of its Rapid Bet Live—a unique sports-betting system that allows in-game wagers. The field test will be conducted at the Palms Hotel & Casino. “This is a major milestone for our company’s wireless technology initiatives and sports betting products,” said Progressive CEO Russ McMeekin. In May, Cantor was the first company to be approved for wireless devices. The company was integral in helping achieve the passage of 2005 legislation that approved of wireless devices in the state. It has since come to an agreement with the Venetian Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip to offer the devices. —Andy Holtmann |
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