Bally Gaming has been developing a system which allows for the extension of intrastate sports wagering to online computers in Nevada. In a move which allows for the first in-home sportsbetting system to get regulatory approval in the U.S., that approval was finalized Jan. 22, 1999 when the RAVE system was approved for use in Nevada by the Gaming Control Board.
The Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, Steve DuCharme, signed off on the system which allows for the placing of sports wagers from within the state via a computer and modem and a closed loop system. It essentially allows for an extension of the telephone phone wagering law that has been in existence for a number of years.
DuCharme told Interactive Gaming News that "the system was designed to ensure that the computer wager was originated within the state of Nevada." This service is, however, extended to Nevada visitors who have an approved phone wagering account.
According to Regulation 22 which authorizes this high tech option, bettors must first go to a land-based sportsbook to establish an account in person as well as to cash out their account. From there, they can place the actual wagers from their home or hotel room.
"This isn't an end game panacea," noted DuCharme. "But, it's a first attempt to incorporate new technology.
Tony Fontaine of Bally Gaming who helped develop the system in conjunction with partners such as Bellcore said of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, "They tested the system so extensively that they aren't even requiring a field test prior to approval. What they will require is that any application running on it passes a field test."
ISW's SportXction play by play system in the sportsbooks has already passed it so it looks like they will have in-home wagering up and running in time for March Madness.