The Nevada Gaming Control Board last month designated Gaming Laboratories International LLC and BMM International LLC as the first independent companies to test casino games and systems under legislation signed last year by Governor Brian Sandoval.
The two companies were investigated by the Gaming Control Board and will now establish uniform protocols and procedures according to state regulation.
In the past, the state operated its own testing lab for all gaming devices, equipment and systems. It is registering independent labs to keep pace with the rapid expansion of technology.
“The registration of independent test labs ensures Nevada’s longer-term competitive standing in the gaming industry,” said board Chairman Mark Lipparelli.
Gaming Laboratories International President and CEO James Maida said, “We are very grateful to have been named a Registered Independent Testing Laboratory in the state of Nevada. For decades, Nevada has maintained an incredibly high standard for testing and regulation that has been the model for jurisdictions worldwide. We are honored with the trust that Chairman Lipparelli and Technology Division Chief Barbee have placed in GLI with this distinction.”
According to Lipparelli, as of July 1, the Gaming Control Board Technology Division will no longer perform the pre-approval of gambling games, gaming devices, associated equipment, cashless wagering systems, mobile gaming systems or interactive gaming systems.
The Nevada Gaming Commission and State Gaming Control Board will remain the final approval authority, maintaining strict oversight responsibilities for GLI as a Registered Independent Testing Laboratory, and will continue to initiate rulings on all policy issues relating to technology as well as develop approval criteria for new and emerging technology.
GLI has increased its staff in Las Vegas by more than 30 percent since February. The company will add 100 employees worldwide by September.
A statement from BMM North America said the company will now be able to provide pre-approval inspection and certification services for regulated gaming products used in the state.
Chief Operating Officer Mike Dreitzer said, “This is an important day in the history of BMM. We are thankful to Chairman Mark Lipparelli and Technology Division Chief Jim Barbee for the faith and trust they have shown in BMM by granting this registration.”
Martin Storm, global president & CEO of BMM, called the change “a significant paradigm shift for Nevada” and said BMM “will uphold the extremely high standards of the state of Nevada.”
BMM recently announced it will be moving into new world headquarters later this year. The headquarters include a state-of-the-art testing laboratory in Las Vegas that is almost four times as large as its current premises. The company operates 11 labs in 12 countries serving more than 400 jurisdictions.
