New Nevada Gaming Commission Chair Has A Lot On Her Plate

Former Judge Jennifer Togliatti made history in October when she was appointed as the chair of the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC), marking the first time a woman has held the position in the commission’s 62-year history. This appointment is seen as significant.

Togliatti, a former prosecutor and District Court Judge for Clark County, earned her bachelor’s degree from UNLV in 1989. She went on to secure a Juris Doctorate in 1993 from the California Western School of Law.

Togliatti lacks experience in the casino and gaming industry. However, she doesn’t view this as a disadvantage. As she recently told the Nevada Independent:

“I believe I still have much to offer in public service, and this seemed like an intriguing and fresh challenge for me.”

Togliatti will not have the luxury of easing into her new role, she will have to dive straight into her new career. The gaming board’s inaugural meeting is scheduled for this week. The agenda for this week’s NGC meeting is pretty standard.

Togliatti and the rest of the NGC can expect things to accelerate rapidly. Numerous large-scale approvals are anticipated in the upcoming four to six months. Furthermore, several regulation modifications are also expected.

Busy months ahead for the NGC

In the upcoming months, the NGC will have a plethora of casino sales to review for approval. Here’s a glimpse of what’s to come:

• Bally’s buying Tropicana
• The Venetian is being purchased by VICI and Appolo.
• New operators for Rio
• Palms is being purchased by San Manuel.
• MGM Resorts is acquiring the operations of The Cosmopolitan.

The board could potentially discuss these potential casino acquisitions as soon as the next meeting in December.

Expect changes for remote NV sports betting accounts

Significant changes in Nevada sports betting could unfold in the coming couple of years. Since the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was repealed in 2018, sports betting has undergone numerous alterations.

The expansion of sports betting across the US has led to the introduction of new operators and technology related to sports betting in most parts of the country. However, Nevada is significantly lagging in terms of adopting new technology and sportsbook operators.

For instance, large casino and sportsbook operators in Nevada, such as MGM Resorts and Caesars, are compelled to use a distinct sports betting platform in Nevada compared to the rest of the country.

Caesars recently launched a billion-dollar sportsbook marketing campaign but didn’t include Nevada. Although the ads are present, the sports betting product has not been improved like it has been in other states with Caesars Sports apps.

Likewise, BetMGM discreetly operates on a different platform in Nevada. Compared to the rest of the country, customers in the Silver State are provided with a significantly smaller betting menu from BetMGM.

Togliatti and the NGC will swiftly initiate Nevada’s journey to reach parity with sportsbooks across the US. Their first task as the new gaming commission will be to tackle the sports betting account workshop, which has been repeatedly postponed and is now scheduled for November 18.

Caesars has not launched its latest platform in Nevada due to the absence of mobile sports betting account registration. The company hinted at a possible policy change during its recent earnings call, stating it plans to introduce its Liberty platform to Nevada.

More sports betting approvals

The NGC’s approvals extend beyond casino agreements. They will also need to give their consent for a new sports betting platform for several gaming operators.

The initial approval of this form could mean a new platform from GAN for Red Rock Resorts (Station Casinos) gets the green light. This would replace the Stadium Technology platform which permitted Station Casinos to accept around 350 illegal bets.

New sportsbook operators may emerge in Nevada when new companies assume operations at The Venetian and Palms.

Currently, the sportsbook at The Venetian is operated by William Hill. This company also used to run the sportsbook at Palms before it closed down last year. A new operator may be a potential choice for both casinos.

Betfred was anticipated to apply for authorization to run the sportsbook at the Mohegan Sun casino within Virgin Hotels this year. However, the company did not pursue approval for its license. Instead, it is expected to apply for a license next year.

This is merely the start. A shift in betting account registration might pave the way for an increased number of sportsbook operators branching out into Nevada. This development could introduce new technology as well. Togliatti could potentially have a crucial role in shaping the future of sports betting in Nevada.