Nevada Gaming Control Board has ordered Playgon to halt unlicensed live dealer operations within the Silver State.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has issued a cease-and-desist order to Playgon Interactive and its affiliate, Bitrate Productions, demanding the immediate cessation of unlicensed live dealer content production from a studio in Las Vegas.
The order, signed by NGCB Chairman Kirk Hendrick, alleges that Bitrate has been using live dealers to facilitate games such as baccarat and roulette, which are broadcast to online casinos globally.
The NGCB stated that Bitrate's activities require appropriate licensing from the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC), which Bitrate does not possess. The NGCB also noted that Playgon's legal counsel had previously indicated in 2016 that Bitrate’s activities would be for entertainment purposes only and would not require NGC licensing. However, it has been determined that Bitrate's operations have since extended beyond social gaming.
The NGCB's letter, dated 18 July 2024, mandates that Playgon, Bitrate and their respective employees and affiliates cease all unlicensed activities by 5:00pm on 26 July 2024.
Failure to comply may result in criminal or civil actions. The letter entails that Nevada law empowers the NGCB to investigate and prosecute any suspected criminal violations of the Nevada Gaming Control Act.
Chairman Hendrick affirmed: “The NGCB will take all necessary actions to enforce Nevada’s gaming laws and regulations.”
In February 2024, the NGCB reported a 9% increase in gaming revenue month-on-month for the state of Nevada. Table games contributed $514.6m, a 24% increase, while slot machines generated $827.6m, a slight rise of 0.6%.
Despite the overall positive trend, some segments experienced declines. Roulette revenues fell by 28% and Pai Gow reported a significant drop. Additionally, various slot machine categories also saw declines of around 30%.
