Recent Discussions
+ New TopicHey everyone, I've been working on obtaining gaming licenses in multiple states, and I wanted to share my findings and hopefully get some advice. I'm currently looking at Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Illinois.
The application processes are wildly different - Nevada is thorough but streamlined (took me about 6 months), while Pennsylvania seems to want my family history back to the Mayflower. Has anyone sucessfully navigated multiple applications simultaneously? Any tips for keeping track of all the different requirements?
Let's talk about the REAL costs of obtaining a gaming license. Everyone knows the application fees, but I've found they're just the tip of the iceberg. Our recent application in Michigan cost us nearly $450K all-in, when you factor legal counsel, compliance development, technology audits, and time investment.
I'd love to see what others have experienced in terms of total investment required. Also, has anyone found creative ways to reduce these costs without cutting corners on compliance?
Sarah, this is so important to discuss. Our clients typically see a 3-4x multiple on the base application fee when all costs are factored in. One approach that's helped: creating a standardized compliance framework that can be adapted across jurisdictions rather than building from scratch each time.
Also, there are now some specialized firms offering fixed-fee packages for certain jurisdictions - they've done it dozens of times and can be more efficient than general counsel who may be learning as they go.
Inside info: Just attended a regulatory conference where several gaming commissions hinted at major changes coming to KYC/AML requirements for online casino operators. The focus is shifting toward continuous monitoring rather than point-in-time verification.
Expect to see new requirements for: 1) Real-time transaction monitoring using AI, 2) Behavioral analysis for responsible gaming compliance, and 3) Enhanced document verification standards. These changes will likely roll out in Q4 2025 across most major jurisdictions.
For those in the application process, you may want to prepare your systems now rather than having to retrofit later. Thoughts?
This aligns with what we've been hearing. The continuous monitoring aspect is going to be a major shift for many operators. Legacy systems built for point-in-time checks will struggle with this.
We're already helping clients implement systems that can handle transaction monitoring with configurable risk thresholds. The key is making sure your platform can adapt to different requirements across jurisdictions - what triggers an alert in NJ might be different from NV or PA.
I've worked with clients applying in all 5 of those states, and you're right about the differences. One approach that's worked well is creating a master document repository with all possible requirements, then using a tracking system to mark which docs apply to which state. Pennsylvania is notoriously document-heavy - plan for 2-3x the time compared to Nevada.
Also, don't underestimate the importance of the operational audit components. Michigan has recently increased scrutiny on internal controls, esp. for player fund protections.
We just went thru this last year. The key is timing - don't start all applications simultaneously. Begin with Nevada or NJ, as their approval tends to accelerate the process in other states. I'd recommend stagering your applications about 6-8 weeks apart. This gives you time to learn from each submission and adjust your approach.