THE VENETIAN TO EXPERIMENT WITH HANDHELD GAMING DEVICES

We know what you’re thinking, You’re poolside in Las Vegas and you think, gee, I could really be gambling right now. If only there were a slot machine nearby.

Soon you’ll be able to gamble on the go at The Venetian.

Recently, the Nevada Gaming Control Board granted Nevada the first state to allow gambling on mobile devices, and The Venetian will be the first casino to experiment with the technology later this year. The devices may even include biometric fingerprinting as a way of identification.

Cantor Gaming will create and run the handheld devices, which will be available in public areas of the casino such as nightclubs, shopping, and restaurants (and yes, the pool). Devices will not be allowed in private areas, such as hotel rooms.

Games offered are expected to be slots, bingo, sports betting, and the standard table games.

If the technology takes off, this could be another step toward paving the way for legalized gambling over the Internet and cellphones.