A pair of electronic gaming bills have been signed into law by Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval.
Foremost among these was Assembly Bill 294, which will remove the ban placed on the operation of mobile gaming devices within hotel rooms and other sleeping areas. The desire for such freedom was brought to the venues’ attention through numerous customer surveys. Now, players will be able to place bets from the convenience of their mobile phones and laptops, once the necessary software is in place.
Great care has been to limit underage gambling in the past, and this latest effort will be no different. New technology is being developed which will allow the hotels to actively monitor and verify the age of their participating guests, likely by utilizing a system of PIN numbers.
Of more interest to the online poker community is AB 294’s sister bill, AB 258. Though its effect will not be felt immediately, this particular piece of legislation has opened the door for internet poker to be played within the nation’s gaming capital. Once the national government gets around to legalizing the game, players in Nevada will be among the first to enjoy the privilege.
In the future, according to the Las Vegas Sun, “the Nevada Gaming Commission could issue licenses to qualifying casinos to offer online poker games.”
Both bills passed nearly unhindered through the state legislature, with only two total opposing votes.