Nevada officials are continuing to craft regulations that could bring big technological changes to state slot machines, but it will be a while before any of the new games make their way to casino floors.
The Gaming Control Board today took another crack at developing the rules to implement Senate Bill 9, which directs regulators to encourage “innovative, alternative and advanced technology” on casino floors. The board already held one workshop in June, and even more regulatory work remains.
Board members heard in detail today from their own staff and the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers about the proposed regulations — and the lingering questions surrounding them.
For instance, some proposed language suggests that games with elements of skill can’t change the rules without first notifying players. Jim Barbee, the board’s technology chief, said the idea is not to allow skill-based slots to adapt to how well players perform without telling them. He used the example of a player trying to hit successive bullseyes on a target: Under this rule, the game could not keep making the bullseye smaller after a player hits one — unless the game disclosed that upfront.
The board did not seem opposed to the general concept but raised questions about exactly when such disclosures would be required, indicating that the language might need to be tightened.
The board is also considering rules for cashless wagering accounts, because the Senate bill calls for standards that allow for “secure account wagering and transactions using electronic commerce.” It would be like using Apple Pay to play slots instead of having to get cash from an ATM.
“We think it is certainly technology that the demographic for skill and hybrid gaming will want to use,” said attorney Dan Reaser, who was representing the gaming equipment association.
Eventually, the new rules should allow slots to play more like arcade and video games, and therefore hopefully make them more attractive to customers who currently shy away from the traditional, chance-heavy machines. The rules should also bring more technological improvements, including social media integration and multiplayer games.
The board will continue working on the rules next month. Once it’s finished, the Nevada Gaming Commission will consider them for final approval.