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FortuNet wins first ok for mobile gambling

FortuNet Inc., which makes wireless gaming machines for casinos and other gambling establishments, won approval from the State Gaming Control Board to become an operator of mobile gambling devices, a company spokesman said Thursday.
/ Source: The Associated Press

FortuNet Inc., which makes wireless gaming machines for casinos and other gambling establishments, won approval from the State Gaming Control Board to become an operator of mobile gambling devices, a company spokesman said Thursday.

The Las Vegas-based company now faces a vote in the next few weeks at the Nevada Gaming Commission, which tends to follow the board's recommendation.

FortuNet is the latest company to come before regulators seeking to provide wireless gambling gadgets for games like blackjack and poker which can be used in public areas of the state's casino resorts. Regulations for the devices were passed in March.

Last month, the commission approved slot machine company International Game Technology as a mobile gambling system operator.

In May, Cantor G & W (Nevada) LP, an affiliate of the financial services company Cantor Fitzgerald, won a manufacturing and distributing license.

FortuNet's chief marketing officer, Jack Coronel, said the company will adapt its portable bingo devices to play other games.

"What you see in the field today is the product, we're just adding additional games to it," he said.

It's not clear when the devices will meet technical regulations or be ready for trial, he said.

Cantor, which led the 2005 legislative effort to allow wireless gambling in Nevada, has said it will introduce the first devices at The Venetian after a field trial late this year or early next.