As the state of Nevada enters uncharted territory regarding interactive gambling regulation, one agency has stepped forward to offer assistance to companies interested in entering the industry.
The Internet Business Alliance of Nevada (IBAN), an independent, non-profit agency, is forming the Interactive Gaming Institute (IGI). The IGI is intended to provide professional support for the development of guidelines and business practice principles to help ensure that the necessary software, documentation,
equipment and other technologies necessary to meet Nevada's stringent gaming regulations are developed.
"We want to make sure that the technology companies who wish to provide products and services to make interactive gaming possible, fully understand the regulations and procedures set forth by the state's statues and implemented by the Nevada Gaming Commission," explained IBAN President Richard Fitzpatrick.
So far, the IGI is more theory than actuality, as there are no members yet or even by-laws. Instead, the technology community in Nevada decided that it was time to learn more about the gaming community, and IBAN decided to announce the group's formation today during the Nevada Legislature's Assembly Judiciary Committee while debates ensued regarding AB296. With this bill's likely passage, nearly 200 gaming companies could hold unrestricted licenses allowing them to offer their services over the Internet, Fitzpatrick explained.
For example, the IGI would probably operate as a clearinghouse for firms wanting to connect with those license holders. "It wouldn't be fair to take money from companies that couldn't do business with the Nevada companies," Fitzpatrick said, although he was not sure what sort of guidelines would be developed for member companies.
The group's offerings would provide "tremendous potential for companies to locate in Nevada and offer interactive gaming solutions important to regulation, such as player location and identification verification, player privacy, gaming fairness and proper online accounting," commented Scott Frost, who chairs the IBAN Board of Directors.
More information about the group and its plans can be found on the IBAN website at www.iban.org.