For the 14th time, MGM Resorts and Z4 Poker were given extensions to begin offering online poker games in Nevada. The Nevada Gaming Commission granted the extensions Thursday, but warned a 15th extension might not come next year.
MGM’s request for an extension received unanimous approval, while Z4 Poker received approval by a 3-1 vote. Commissioners shared some frustrations about the various delays toward a launch for both companies, which were granted initial approvals in November of 2012.
Both MGM and Z4 Poker have until April 2025 to launch their online poker platforms in Nevada. Both companies anticipate being ready to launch their games by that deadline.
Nevada’s Online Poker Scene
WSOP is currently the lone legal online poker operator in Nevada, and some Nevada customers are hopeful a few more options will become available in the coming months and years.
Z4 representatives showed a demonstration of the online poker game at Thursday’s meeting. They estimate the game is close to completion and should be ready to launch next year. The two-minute demonstration came at the request of the commissioners, who wanted to see the progress of the game’s development.
The game has yet to be submitted for approval to the commission, but the waiver extension gives them an opportunity to submit the game for approval in the next 12 months.
Commissioners seemed less concerned with MGM’s ability to deliver a BetMGM online poker product by next April of next year. The discussion over MGM’s extension was much swifter than the discussion surrounding Z4 Poker.
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