A revamped Galaxy Gaming cleared Nevada regulatory approval this week after a tumultuous licensing process in which the table game company was forced to shake up its upper management team.
The Nevada Gaming Commission licensed Galaxy as a manufacturer and distributor of gaming products, nearly three months after the Gaming Control Board initially considered denying the company a license.
The board spent two days diving into the background of now-former Chairman and CEO Robert Saucier and his suitability as a licensee. Saucier had several questionable incidents in other states.
Saucier and his company were attempting to get a new license that would enable Galaxy to develop and distribute new games in Nevada.
Rather than reject the company, the control board allowed Galaxy with withdraw the application and re-file in September.
Saucier resigned as CEO, president and chairman and Todd Cravens, who joined the company as a vice president of business development in January, became CEO and president.
Mark Lipparelli, a former Gaming Control Board chairman and state senator, was appointed chairman of Galaxy’s board of directors.
Saucier will continue to serve on Galaxy’s five-member board as a director. The company said he would focus on business development.
“We are delighted to receive our license in Nevada,” Cravens said in statement. “The positive response from Nevada customers to our product offerings has been overwhelming, and we anticipate to start product field trials in the next several weeks.”
Galaxy products are mostly side bets on traditional table games, such as blackjack. Some of Nevada’s major casino operators utilize the side bets, including Lucky Ladies, Texas Shootout and Three Card Poker.
As a board member, Saucier has lower level of regulatory examination.
