Following a meeting that took place last week, the Nevada Gaming Control Board has agreed to examine regulatory changes that would allow casino patrons to register their accounts remotely.
“Nevada has been a leader in cashless gaming, and we look forward to continued discussions that will enable us to provide Nevada residents and visitors to Nevada with the most innovative, safe, secure, compliant and responsible gaming experience in the United States,” Sightline Co-CEO Joe Pappano noted in a company statement.
The changes, which would not include sports betting, would allow casinos to confirm the identities of players remotely, giving them the ability to fund wagering accounts without first having to appear at a property. Sightline sees this being achieved via an app, thinking it would allow the Vegas casino industry to continue to thrive.
Sightline has been at the forefront of the move to cashless gaming for some time, with Pappano highlighting the success of its cashless wagering platform at the recently opened Resort World Las Vegas.
Some have signalled their concern however, with Attorney Marc Rubinstein, who represents Station Casinos, suggesting a move such as this could break federal law.
“Federal anti-money laundering law requires that brick-and-mortar casinos utilize documentary methods of identity verification for on-premises gaming activities,” Rubinstein said with concern in a letter to board members.
“Consequently, it would seem that the proposed amendments … are an invitation to approve a regulation change that would contravene federal law,” he continued.
“For this reason, we believe the board should not have been asked to approve the proposed regulation amendments, the workshop should not proceed and the proposed regulation amendments should not be recommended by the board for action.”
While Sightline was reticent to include sports betting in its proposal, companies have pointed to New Jersey as an example of the success of mobile sign-ups, specifically in regard to generating more revenue.
