The Nevada Gaming Control Board Thursday issued a cease-and-desist order, demanding that Playgon Interactive, Inc., and its affiliate Bitrate Productions cease production of live-dealer content from a Las Vegas studio that’s broadcast across the world.
The demand, signed by NGCB Chairman Kirk Hendrick, alleges that Bitrate is using live dealers in Las Vegas to deal games such as baccarat and roulette, and broadcasts the content to online casinos located around the globe.
The NGCB advised Playgon that Bitrate’s activity requires appropriate licensing, which Bitrate doesn’t possess, from the Nevada Gaming Commission.
The NGCB also advised Playgon that the company’s outside legal counsel, on two separate occasions in 2016, represented on behalf of the company that Bitrate’s activity would not require NGC licensing, because the content would be used for entertainment purposes only. At some point, however, Bitrate’s activities went beyond social gaming.
The NGCB’s letter dated July 18 demands that Playgon, Bitrate, and their employees and affiliates cease the unlicensed activity by 5 p.m. Friday or face potential criminal or civil actions, Hendrick said.
“The cease and desist states that Nevada law empowers the NGCB to investigate for the purpose of prosecution any suspected criminal violation of the Nevada Gaming Control Act,” Hendrick said in a statement. “The NGCB will take all necessary actions to enforce Nevada’s gaming laws and regulations.”