Visitors to Vegas resorts may get a wireless device to play video poker, blackjack, and other games at the casino.
Why should getting a table at a resort restaurant hinder your ability to play video poker or blackjack? According to the Wall Street Journal, proposed legislation in Nevada, heavily lobbied for by an affiliate of financial firm Cantor Fitzgerald, will let you do that.
You won't be allowed to gamble from the privacy of your hotel room with the proposed handheld gaming devices. But you can go to dinner or to the pool and bring along the device for a quick hand or three.
The affiliate, Cantor G&W of Nevada, has developed the proprietary technology to allow this; Cantor also owns a sportsbook in the United Kingdom. The proposal before Nevada lawmakers would allow the technology in casinos with at least 100 slot machines and one other game.
Of course, the bill does not allow for online wagering over the Internet, which the US government views as illegal per existing telecom laws banning such wagers from being placed.
Nevada lawmakers have until June 6 to vote on the bill in the Nevada Senate. Nevada's governor, Kenny Guinn, would have to sign the bill into law. Then, state gaming authorities would have to write regulations for the devices before they could be used.
