Nevada Gaming License Delayed for William Hill

Well-known UK online casino games giant, William Hill, is facing delays in acquiring a casino games license in the state of Nevada. The top rated online casino company had hoped that the legislature would vote on this issue in May. William Hill is looking to establish a presence in the state after acquiring three sports betting companies in Las Vegas.

Sources in the online casino games industry believed that May would mark the entry for William Hill but reports have circulated that the Nevada Gaming Control Board wants to research more about the company before it gives it a license to do business. Specifically, they would like to learn more about Robin Chhabra, William Hill's head of strategy and corporate development, as well as the company's ties to Playtech in Israel.

The UK paper, The Guardian, reported that Chhabra, who was at a time responsible for Nevada acquisitions, was fined approximately $150,000 by the Financial Services Authority after he shared “confidential information” with a friend. Chhabra is not expected to play a management role with the new acquisitions.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board is also interested in William Hill’s connection with the online casino games company, Playtech. The company’s founder, Teddy Sagi, still holds a forty percent ownership stake, despite a conviction of fraud and bribery in 1996.

John English, senior vice president of business development and public affairs for American Wagering, a company affiliated with William Hill stated, "it is not uncommon for licensing delays to happen. This is part of the normal process and proves the Gaming Control Board is taking their time and being thorough. We expect William Hill to be a great asset to Nevada.”