At its upcoming meeting on October 7, the Nevada Gaming Control Board will review proposed changes to various Technical Standards for Gaming Devices and Associated Equipment. These revisions encompass a range of topics, including slot systems, cashless wagering accounts, and race and sportsbook operations.
A total of ten standards are set for revision, with draft proposals dated from June to August. The board informed licensees about these changes and the meeting date on September 4. Stakeholders can submit comments on the proposals until October 5.
While the revisions vary in scope, many contain significant updates in their language. For example, the proposed modifications to Standard 9, which pertains to digital parimutuel systems, primarily consist of minor additions. In contrast, Standard 3, which outlines slot metering systems, features extensive revisions, including the addition and removal of entire sections accompanied by detailed explanatory notes.
Despite Nevada's reputation as the leading gaming state in the U.S., its regulatory framework regarding technology is often perceived as sluggish and cumbersome compared to emerging jurisdictions. Since NGCB Chair Mike Dreitzer's appointment in June, modernization efforts have been a priority, bringing these revisions to the forefront.
"We finally reached a point where we decided to focus solely on these standards to ensure they are up-to-date," said Jeremy Eberwein, the board's Technology Division chief.
Much of the work has involved consolidating technical information into a single resource. Previously, some existing Technical Standards coexisted with the state's Minimum Internal Control Standards, which include a mix of procedural and technical requirements.
The intent is to create a comprehensive resource for licensees to access necessary technical information easily. The revisions frequently reference adaptations from the Minimum Internal Control Standards. Eberwein noted that this effort has been in the works for several years, experiencing numerous starts and stops throughout the process.
"We had various drafts circulating internally for at least a decade but never finalized them for various reasons," he explained.
The board anticipates that while the draft proposals will be largely finalized ahead of the comment period, stakeholder feedback may lead to further adjustments. The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers, a group that frequently contributes to these discussions, did not respond to a request for comment prior to the publication deadline. Depending on stakeholder input and any potential issues raised by the Nevada Gaming Commission, the new standards could be formally adopted and published by the end of the year.
This is a critical period for the NGCB, as the board has also issued five multimillion-dollar fines for anti-money laundering violations on the Las Vegas Strip since the start of 2025, marking a historic level of sanctions for the gambling capital of the U.S.
Four of these cases involved major companies, including Resorts World Las Vegas, MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, and the Venetian, linked to violations associated with illegal bookmaker Mathew Bowyer, who was banned from the state in April. In a separate instance, Wynn Las Vegas was fined $130 million for proxy betting violations, recorded as potentially the largest forfeiture of its kind by a casino admitting to criminal wrongdoing, according to federal prosecutors.
Within the board, significant regulatory revisions are being undertaken for gaming salons, anti-money laundering reporting, and now the technical standards. Dreitzer, who is currently completing the fifth chair term of the NGCB appointed since 2019, holds a position until January 2027. He has expressed interest in securing a full four-year term following the completion of his initial term.
"When I arrived, I engaged in conversations with numerous operators across various jurisdictions. The feedback was clear; many would avoid Nevada due to concerns about lengthy processes and regulatory inconsistency," Dreitzer commented earlier this year. "Given the mandate from the governor and the groundwork laid by Chair Hendrick, I knew immediate action was necessary."
