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Nevada panel approves mobile gambling regulations

LAS VEGAS The Nevada Gaming Commission gave its final approval to mobile gambling regulations today.

The decision makes Nevada the first state in the nation to approve use of handheld devices and is the last regulatory hurdle after a law allowing it was passed last year.

The rules say people can play games like bingo and poker. And they can make bets on horse races on handheld devices from public areas of casino resorts, but not hotel rooms.

Several manufacturers are lining up to make the devices, including Cantor G-and-W, Shuffle Master, FortuNet and Diamond I.

Commission chairman Peter Bernhard called the unanimous approval today the end of the beginning of a process that will introduce a new era in gaming.

Most casino operators have said they'll wait and see how the technology unfolds.

Gaming regulators say it will take at least several months to test new equipment and start field trials.

Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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