Paddy Power goes after Nevada mobile gambling licence

The major European land and online gambling group Paddy Power is following rivals William Hill, 888 Holdings and Betfair into the US market, it appears from American media reports this week.

William Hill and Betfair have both invested in racing companies in the States, whilst 888 Holdings has a partnership with Caesars Entertainment (see previous InfoPowa reports), but it appears that Paddy Power has set its sights on an online poker licence from Nevada, once these are made available.

The reports claim that Paddy Power is seeking approval from Nevada gaming regulators for a licence ‘as a manufacturer and operator’ of mobile gaming devices, and that Nevada’s energy in pursuing the legalisation – contingent on federal approval – of internet poker is thought to have motivated Paddy Power in its choice of jurisdiction.

The company derives a substantial proportion of its profits from internet operations, in which it is widely experienced both in Europe and Australia. Company spokesmen over the years have been at pains to point out that the firm has never accepted wagers from American gamblers.

Paddy Power appears to have played its cards close to its chest, with the reports indicating that it filed its Nevada gaming licence application as long ago as August 2010, and has been cooperating in the regulator’s vetting process ever since.

There is also the suggestion that Paddy Power may be additionally interested in the “on-premises” mobile gambling sector in Nevada, which is opening up, although pioneers of the concept like Cantor Gaming seem to be firmly entrenched.

“On-premises” mobile gambling involves punters being allowed to gamble within the premises of licensed Nevada operators using hand-held devices, for example whilst relaxing at a swimming pool or in their rooms.

Paddy Power’s C.O.O., Breon Corcoran, is quoted in one US article as revealing: “The method of applying for the manufacturer and distributors license has been used in the past by people who want to pass probity to then allow them to consider a broad number of options.”