With a public hearing coming up regarding remote gambling in Las Vegas, support and opposition of possible remote gaming regulations are expected to be expressed to the fullest.  And with a second hearing following soon after on March 23, which could effectively adopt the proposed regulations, remote casino gambling may become a reality as soon as next month.

The possibility of remote gambling is a recent phenomenon, thanks to technology that lets gamblers use handheld devices that are able to sync into a casinos betting floor.  The devices would only be functional in direct range of each casino using them, including any immediate resort property such as the pool or restaurants.  And as far as who can use them is what many of the opponents are basing their argument on.  Their view is that remote gambling would aid and encourage underage gamblers.  Durand Jacobs, who is a professor of psychiatry and a board member of the National Council on Problem Gambling in Washington for over thirty years, says the devices look like Game Boys, and that he thinks they were intentionally designed that way.

The Nevada Gaming Commission will be holding both of the public hearing's so they can effectively weigh both sides of the argument.  Supporters of remote casino gambling, which include Nevada's Gaming Control Board, argue that there are safeguards to prevent underage betting from happening, and that offering remote casino gambling would increase profits and state tax revenue.

In the meantime, the mobile betting devices are beyond the developmental stage, which some would say makes things appear that the regulations to adopt remote casino gambling are imminent.  Shuffle Master Inc., which was the first company to create a handheld remote gambling device, unveiled two products - the casino table and slots device, mCasino, and the portable race and sportsbook, mWager - at the International Casino Exhibition last month in England.