Compliance Updates

Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) Hails Passage of Assembly Bill 221 That Expands Nevada’s Gaming Technology Workforce

Published

6 years ago

May 3, 2019

Photo Source: agem.org

The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) announced the passage by the Nevada Legislature of Assembly Bill 221 that expands the state’s technology and manufacturing workforce by giving those 18 to 20 years legal status as a “gaming employee” working for slot machine, systems, table game and component suppliers.

Previously, Nevada statute prohibited any person under 21 from being employed as a “gaming employee” except as a member of a casino count room staff. The passage of AB221 retains the count room exception for casino operations, and otherwise applies only to the technology supplier sector, which previously couldn’t even offer internships to those under 21.

Nevada serves as the manufacturing epicenter for global gaming equipment, both hardware and software, exported to every regulated gaming market in the world. Further, AGEM members are responsible for manufacturing every gaming machine in Nevada, and leading providers include International Game Technology (IGT), Scientific Games, Aristocrat Technologies, Konami Gaming, Everi, Ainsworth Game Technology, AGS and others (full list of AGEM members below).

“We are keenly interested in workforce development and employment opportunities within the state and Assembly Bill 221 will take us all in a positive direction,” said Marcus Prater, Executive Director of AGEM. “The gaming suppliers are further interested in hiring those in the 18-20 age group in a variety of company department categories, as well as being able to offer internships to college students. The opportunities could run the gamut from visionary young adult game designers to graduates from our state’s technical schools to math wizards who are all seeking a unique career path previously unavailable to them.”

Expected to be signed by Gov. Steve Sisolak, AB221 was originally introduced by Assembly Judiciary Chairman Steve Yeager and garnered the formal support of the Nevada System of Higher Education, the College of Southern Nevada, the Washoe County School District, Clark County School District and the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce.

The gaming technology sector continues to grow, according to an in-depth economic impact analysis by the respected Nevada firm Applied Analysis that was released this month, revealing that supplier companies either headquartered in Nevada or have some operations here account for $11.7 billion in direct revenue annually and directly employ nearly 29,000 people across all of their operations. A significant portion of supplier employees are highly educated engineers, software designers, creative development specialists, hardware and sub-assembly experts, game designers, graphic artists, animators, and marketing and financial staff. The average annual salary among AGEM-member companies is $91,240, well above the national average equivalent of $51,960 for the private sector. When considering the “ripple effect” of the industry, those with operations in Nevada are responsible for approximately $31.5 billion in total global economic activity annually.

AGEM is a non-profit international trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of electronic gaming devices, lotteries, systems, table games, online technology, sports betting, key components and support products and services for the gaming industry. AGEM works to further the interests of gaming equipment suppliers throughout the world. Through political action, regulatory influence, trade show partnerships, educational alliances, information dissemination and good corporate citizenship, the members of AGEM work together to create benefits for every company within the organization. Together, AGEM has assisted regulatory agencies and participated in the legislative process to solve problems and create a business environment where AGEM members can prosper while providing a strong level of support to education and responsible gaming initiatives. For more information, visit www.AGEM.org.

Compliance Updates

NYSGC Appoints Terryl Brown to the New York Gaming Facility Location Board

Published

4 hours ago

March 3, 2025

Niji Narayan

The New York State Gaming Commission (Commission) unanimously appointed Terryl Brown to the New York Gaming Facility Location Board (Board), which is overseeing the commercial casino siting process in the New York Metro region.

“The Gaming Facility Location Board’s work can be transformational for the State of New York. Ms. Brown brings a wealth of experience, expertise and public service to the team that will evaluate casino proposals. I thank her and the entire Board for its ongoing work and service to New York State,” Commission Chair Brian O’Dwyer said.

Terryl Brown currently serves as Vice President and General Counsel at Pace University. Prior to taking her position at Pace, Brown served as Deputy Commissioner of Legal Affairs and Administration for the New York City Fire Department, where she oversaw operations and legal matters for a department comprised of 17,000 employees. Brown has also been Chief Ethics Officer and Counsel with the New York State Attorney General’s Office, Acting Counsel to Governor David Paterson, First Assistant Counsel to Governor Eliot Spitzer, a Commissioner of the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics, Executive Vice President and General Counsel at the New York Power Authority, and a Partner at Harris Beach PLLC.

Brown graduated from Pace University with a bachelor’s degree in political science; earned a master’s from Villanova University; and a J.D. and M.B.A. from University of Pittsburgh. She completed an advanced finance program at the University of Pennsylvania.

Brown joins Vicki Been, Marion Phillips, III, Stuart Rabinowitz, and Greg Reimers on the Gaming Facility Location Board.

The Board is ultimately responsible for reviewing and evaluating casino applications and recommending up to three facilities for licensure.

Compliance Updates

Jackpot Digital Receives Maine Gaming License

Published

4 hours ago

March 3, 2025

Niji Narayan

Jackpot Digital Inc., the world’s leading provider of innovative dealerless electronic poker gaming solutions, has announced that it has received license approval from the Maine Gambling Control Unit (MGCU).

This milestone marks a significant achievement for the Company, as it is the first state-issued license it has received in the US. This state license allows the Company to install its casino machines throughout all of Maine.

“Receiving approval from MGCU is a major accomplishment. Until now, our U.S. licenses have been exclusively through our valued Indian Gaming casino partners, who issue licenses for their respective properties. A state license, however, grants us access to the entire state. We have several additional state licenses pending approval, representing a major expansion opportunity into larger state-regulated commercial casinos,” Jake Kalpakian, CEO of Jackpot Digital, said.

“More immediately, this MGCU approval enables us to offer Jackpot Blitz to gaming operators across Maine. We are excited to bring our innovative products to Maine’s gaming community and reinforce our commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology-driven entertainment,” Mr. Kalpakian added.

Jackpot Digital’s flagship product, the Jackpot Blitz ETG, offers a modern, dealerless, player-friendly poker solution that integrates traditional multiplayer poker games with cutting-edge digital technology. The MGCU license will enable the company to offer its innovative gaming solutions to operators throughout Maine, driving new revenue opportunities and enhancing player experiences.

Compliance Updates

MGCB Issues Cease-and-Desist Order to BetNow

Published

3 days ago

February 28, 2025

Niji Narayan

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued a cease-and-desist order to BetNow.eu Sportsbook, Casino, and Racebook (BetNow), an offshore online casino operating illegally within the state. The site offers a range of casino games, including slots, poker, and live dealer options such as blackjack, roulette, and craps, as well as betting services for sports events and horse races.

“This unlicensed operator not only violates Michigan law, but also exposes consumers to significant risks. Our job is to protect Michigan residents by ensuring that all online gambling is conducted legally and responsibly,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said.

BetNow offers numerous payment options for player deposits, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Zelle, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether, Bitcoin Cash, CashMG, and bank transfers. However, players must wager their entire initial deposit before becoming eligible to withdraw any winnings.

The MGCB’s investigation found that BetNow is in violation of several key state laws, including:

• Lawful Internet Gaming Act: Only licensed operators are permitted to offer internet gaming. Only Michigan-licensed casinos and federally authorized tribal casinos can apply for a gaming license under state law.

• Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act: Operating an unlicensed gambling business is a felony in Michigan, carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.

• Michigan Penal Code: Gambling, which involves payment based on the outcome of an uncertain event, is prohibited under state law. Accepting money with the understanding it will be paid based on a game of chance is illegal.