Three companies received approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission today to participate in online intrastate poker.
Michael Gaughan's South Point Poker LLC received the first license to be an interactive gaming operator. Monarch Interactive Inc., of Reno, also received an operator's license.
Global Cash Access Holdings Inc., of Las Vegas, was licensed to provide online payment services.
Real-money poker on the South Point site may start in October after final testing and regulatory approvals, a casino spokesman said.
Gaming Commission members said they were satisfied by South Point's application that rules will be followed to prevent underage gambling, cheating, collusion and money laundering and to ensure that players are in Nevada.
Applicants approved today were earlier recommended for approval by the State Gaming Control Board.
The board and commission also earlier approved manufacturers IGT, Bally Technologies and Shuffle Master as interactive gaming system providers.