Control board, British agency to share data

The Nevada Gaming Control Board and a Britain-based gaming regulatory agency signed an agreement in which the two organizations would exchange information and other investigative matters.

The arrangement was announced Friday by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, an Internet gambling regulatory body for the British Channel Islands.

The deal gives Nevada regulators access to expertise in the online gambling world.

Gaming Control Board Chairman Mark Lipparelli said that in the past, outside agencies would come to Nevada for advice because of the state's 50-year history in regulating the casino industry.

"There is no question that the Internet gaming world is moving quickly and at a good speed toward Nevada," Lipparelli said. "We've realized that it is important for Nevada to form these alliances. We need to look at the places that have been regulating Internet gaming and engage these regulators."

Lipparelli said former control board Chairman Dennis Neilander and former control board member Randall Sayre began the outreach into the various jurisdictions.

He said Nevada would probably explore agreements with regulatory agencies in other jurisdictions that are active in online gaming.

"We are looking forward to working with Nevada Gaming Control Board in the areas of investigations, compliance and developing technical standards," André Wilsenach, chief executive officer of the Alderney Gambling Control Commission told eGaming Review.

Nevada gaming regulators are looking into the suitability of 888 Holdings, a company that manages and operates three online gaming sites in the United Kingdom for Caesars Entertainment Corp., including a site based on the World Series of Poker. The application was filed under the state's Foreign Gaming Act and the investigation has been ongoing since April.

It is the first time Nevada gaming regulators have been asked to investigate the suitability of an online gaming company that took wagers from American gamblers before the enactment of the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act in 2006.

"I don't expect this will be the last filing of this type that we'll see," Lipparelli said.

Contact reporter Howard Stutz at hstutz@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3871.