Vegas hand helds closer

It seems to be taking an age from legislation to implementation, but the much anticipated use of hand held gambling communication devices whilst on land casino and resort properties came a step closer this week with a key Nevada Gaming Commission finding.

In a preliminary step required before adopting the actual mobile gambling regulations, the gambling regulators determined on a unanimous vote that the gambling systems are secure and reliable, and can be set up to ensure minors are excluded and the devices can be restricted to authorized casino areas.

The hand-held, wireless gambling devices are designed to expand the areas in casinos where gamblers can place bets - even to buffet lines or poolside loungers.

Adoption of the rules for the devices is expected at the commission's March 23 meeting in Las Vegas. One application from a manufacturer, Diamond Systems is already on file, although the process leading up to market availability of the devices is expected to take several more months.

"This is one of the final steps of the procedure that will let casino licensees use these devices if they choose," Bill Bible, head of the Nevada Resort Association, said following the vote. A law approved last year by legislators made Nevada the first U.S. state to approve the use of the wireless, handheld gambling devices at its hotel-casinos.

Many industry observers have interpreted the development as a "foot in the door" move by major land casino companies who would like to eventually offer Internet-based gambling.