First independent testing labs receive Nevada approval
Nevada online poker licencees must choose a testing lab to inspect their gaming products.
BMM North America and Gaming Laboratories International have become the first testing labs to be approved by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (GCB) to inspect regulated gaming products in the state.
The passage of AB 279 during last year’s Nevada legislative session transferred the pre-approval inspection and certification services of gaming devices, equipment and systems to private registered independent testing laboratories (ITLs). The companies can begin testing on 1 July.
Bally Technologies and IGT, which received online poker licences as interactive gaming system manufacturers and service providers yesterday, must choose an ITL to test their products.
However the GCB’s technology division retains the right to oversee and review the testing process.
GCB chairman Mark Lipparelli said the ITLs will allow the Board’s technology division to focus on establishing policy, certifying the labs and staying ahead of technology trends.
“Innovation in gaming technology is advancing at an increasing speed,” Lipparelli said. “Registered independent test labs allow our state to materially expand its resource base with respect to testing new technologies. I am confident the framework for our registered independent test labs will serve to uphold our high standards.”
The Nevada Gaming Commission adopted regulations for ITLs and the GCB during a meeting in May.
BMM will move into a new world headquarters later this year and expects to add more than 100 new Nevada-based employees within the next 18-24 months.
“This is a significant paradigm shift for Nevada,” said Martin Storm, global president & CEO of BMM. “BMM will do everything we can to support the NGCB and Nevada licensees through this process.”
Gaming Laboratories International plans to increase its staff in its Las Vegas lab by more than 30% since February.
GLI president and CEO James Maida said: “This is a significant change, and we are ready and available to help suppliers and operators understand how they can benefit from NGCB’s carefully crafted policy that is designed to promote the efficient consideration of new technology. GLI has been preparing for this since the passage of AB 279 and is fully ready to help them through this transition process.”