Nevada Inventors Ready For a Field Trial? What Can We Do For You? Packages Available F.A.Q.

Nevada Inventors

Table game inventions are booming in Nevada. In order to compete, inventors must focus on bringing professional products to the table and completing all required steps. Whether an inventor is designing the table game layout, marketing to a casino for a Field Trial, or presenting to the Nevada State Commission for final regulatory approval, quality is the key.

Review the steps below to determine what you’ve already completed and what your next steps will be.

From Design to Placement

1. Design the Game

   • Draw the table layout with a Sharpie and large construction paper

2. Test the Game

   • Invite a few friends over and deal the game to them. This is a great way to figure out the kinks and answer questions you may have never thought of.

3. Start a Business or LLC

4. Obtain an Indepentant Math Analysis

   • We recommend Joseph Shipman

5. Obtain an Official Mathematical Certification from a Registered Nevada Independent Test Laboratory * Costs and Requirements Vary

6. File for a New Game Patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office

   • Costs and Requirements Vary

   • We recommend either Richard Newman , Jon Muskin or Donna More

   • Keep a copy of the filing receipt for the Gaming Control Board Field Trial Requirements

   • Application for Patent * USTPO – Inventors Assistance Center

     • Toll-Free: 800-786-9199 + Local: 571-272-1000 + TTY: 800-877-8339

   • Casino Table Games have the designations:

     • CPC Group - A63F 2003/00164 + IPC Group - A63F 3/00

7. Create or Commission a Player Rulebook with:

   • Rules of Play

   • Specific Examples of Game Outcome (win/lose/tie)

   • Game’s Pay Table

8. Create or Commission a Document with the Game’s Pay Table/Pay Schedule

9. Create or Commission a Dealer Manual documenting the Dealer Procedures

10. Order Custom Designed Rack Cards

11. Design and Order a Custom Table Game Felt Layout. Include the following per the Nevada Gaming Control Board Evaluation Requirements, if applicable:

    • Player Betting Position

    • Game Instruction

    • Pay Table information

      • A payout table (or pay table) is normally shown on the table displaying different odds that are assigned to each scenario.

      • Multiple Pay Tables are highly recommended for your game and this allows casino managers a choice as to what they want in their casino. This makes your game more attractive to them. Another thing that makes your game more attractive is a Progressive bet. It’s recommended that you have an option available for a Progressive bet.

12. Design and Order New or Modified Gaming Accessories or Apparatuses (cards, dice, shakers, ties, etc.) Associated with the Proposed Game Variation/Modification, if Applicable

13. Commission a 1-3 Minute Promotional Video Showcasing the Table Game

14. Order a Professionally Designed Field Trial Promotion Packet

15. Order Player Rulebooks and Dealer Manuals

16. Market the Table Game to Casinos for a Field Trial

17. Prepare Remaining Documents (Host Casino and Inventor) for Gaming Control Board New Game Evaluation Once a Host Casino is Secured

    • Personal History Record

    • Notarized Document Containing Specific Understandings and Allowances

    • Request to Release Information Form

    • Document expressing the percentage ownership breakdown of the game

    • A list of names, with phone numbers, the GBC can contact and discuss aspects of the game

18. Submit New Game Evaluation Package in its entirety and in order with a $3000 Check to the Nevada Gaming Control Board

    • Investigation by Nevada Gaming Control Board

19. Initiate Field Trial with Host Casino for Pre-Determined Time frame

20. Host Casino Required to Provide the Gaming Control Board with the Data from the Field Trial

    • Note: Communication with the Casino Representative is Key to Ensuring the data is provided in a timely manner. If the data is not received by the Board in time, the Field Trial will not count.

21. The Gaming Control Board’s Enforcement Division Will Prepare a Request for Final Approval Report and Submit it to the Gaming Control Board and the Nevada Gaming Commission.

22. The Applicant and a Representative of the Field Trial Casino Will Receive Written Notification Requiring Their Presence at the Gaming Control Board and Nevada Gaming Commission meetings. A live presentation will be required at the meeting.

    • If Approved, Table Game Promotion can Begin at Other Casinos

23. Order Additional Table Game Layouts, Rack Cards, Accessories and Apparatuses

24. Market Your Game to Customers

    • Showgirls giving away free swag at your table

    • See our packages below for more!

25. Market the Table Game to Casinos for a Profit Placement Using the Promo Video and Promotion Packet

Ready For a Field Trial?

Field Trial evaluation requests and investigations are handled by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. The following steps outline the strict requirements to present the application for submission of a new game. Pre-work and attention to detail will ensure the application is accepted for evaluation. Any deviation from the requirements and the application may be rejected.

An applicant must include the following items for the submission of a new game:

Nevada Gaming Control Board

Evaluation Requirements

1. A letter requesting game approval

2. One copy each of the table layout and the player betting position; to include game instruction and pay table information, if applicable. (The layout must be submitted as it will appear in the casinos.)

3. Rules of play, with specific examples of game outcome (win/lose/tie)

4. Dealing procedures

5. A proposed payout schedule

6. Items 1–5 must be submitted on a CD-ROM in Word or PDF Format

7. A copy of the rack card that will be available to players during the field trial

8. Sample(s) of new or modified gaming accessories or apparatuses (cards, dice, shakers, ties, etc.) associated with the proposed game variation/modification.

9. A mathematical certification from a Nevada Independent Test Laboratory * Must use a Registered Independent Testing Laboratory

10. A copy of the filing receipt from the United States Patent and Trademark Office in reference to the new game patent

    • Application for Patent * USTPO – Inventors Assistance Center

      • Toll-Free: 800-786-9199 + Local: 571-272-1000 + TTY: 800-877-8339

    • Casino Table Games have the designations:

      • CPC Group - A63F 2003/00164 + IPC Group - A63F 3/00

11. A letter from a Non-Restricted Group I licensee (Field Trial Host Casino), agreeing to display and monitor the new game’s field trial.

    • Need to secure a casino willing to conduct a Field Trial

12. A notarized document that contains the following statements:

    • That the requester agrees, if a field trial is approved, the casino conducting the field trial will receive 100% of the revenue produced by the game, during the course of the field trial

    • That the requester agrees to pay all costs for shipment, inspection, and incidental costs documented by the Gaming Control Board (GCB) in connection with the examination and evaluation of the new game

    • That at least one working model is available or will be available immediately, should the game be approved for field trial

    • Of the applicant’s and developer’s intentions as to how a profit is expected to be made from the submitted game, when/if the game is approved for play in Nevada

13. A Personal History Record completed by all applicants

14. “Request to Release Information,” “Release and Indemnity of All Claims,” and “Affidavit of Full Disclosure” forms notarized and signed by the applicant(s) and developer(s)

15. Percentage of the new game’s ownership with reference to the applicant’s/developer’s company/corporation

16. Three thousand dollars ($3,000) in the form of a check or cashier’s check made payable to the Nevada Gaming Control Board. The account created by this deposit is used to pay investigative costs, as listed below. Additional deposits may be requested during the course of the investigation. Final satisfaction of all expenses incurred by the Gaming Control Board must be paid before the game is approved.

    • Enforcement Division investigative hours bill at $135 per hour

    • Technology Division bills at $150 per hour for completing the game evaluation

17. A list of names, with telephone numbers, with whom the GCB may discuss aspects of the game.

Submit the package of all 17 items to the Enforcement Division of the Gaming Control Board. After the package has been reviewed for completeness, the statistical evaluation will be forwarded to the Technology Division for analysis and verification. Failure to submit all items will result in a denial of the application and the submitted packet will be returned.

If the field trial is administratively approved by the Gaming Control Board, both the applicant and the casino will be notified in writing. The field trial must start within 30 days from the receipt of this notification and once the game submittal is approved for field trial, no changes (including but not limited to changes in the table layout and rules) may be made to the game during the course of the field trial without prior written permission.

The game field trial will be conducted for a sufficient amount of time to thoroughly evaluate the game’s suitability; a period lasting generally 45-180 days. The Board will also consider conducting simultaneous trials at multiple locations in order to obtain comparable data in a shorter time frame. Only one field trial table per casino is permitted at each location unless otherwise approved by the Gaming Control Board. For example, if “I Play 21” is on field trial at a licensee in Las Vegas as well as at a licensee in Reno, only one table is permitted at each location. Additionally, the Board will take into consideration game approvals and play statistics from other jurisdictions if contact information is provided, and game information meets Nevada standards.

The casino will be responsible for submitting statistical data to the Gaming Control Board during the field trial. Failure to submit complete and accurate data in a timely manner may result in termination of the field trial or in a delay of the new game approval process. The game must be videotaped during the entire field trial.

Upon completion of the field trial, the Enforcement Division will prepare a Request for Final Approval report and submit it to the Gaming Control Board and the Nevada Gaming Commission. The applicant and a representative of the field trial casino will receive written notification requiring their presence at the Gaming Control Board and Nevada Gaming Commission meetings.

What Can Vegas-Aces Do for You?

Whatever stage of the process you are in, whether you just finished the game design and need to understand your next steps, are ready to order prototypes, are ready to pursue a Field Trial, or need a hand with game placement, we’re determined to see you succeed. Vegas Aces Services, LLC provides Post Design Support as well as Field Trial Marketing Packages, Table Game Marketing Packages and Promotion Packages to assist table game inventors in reaching their goals. All package items are available a la carte.

Marketing Package

Step 1. When selling the idea of your table game invention to casino managers for placement, you’ll want a powerful message that’ll stir up excitement and get them interested in the unique aspects of the game. This package creates that framework and allows you to witness your design come to life with the creation of a specialty designed table game felt, a promotional video, rack cards and more. We highly recommend that table game inventors have these items fully completed before moving on to the Field Trial Package. The package below incorporates experienced support and custom designed products to ensure your game outshines the competition.

Starting at

$3,125

plus cost of printing

Package Includes

• Custom table game felt layout, based on the inventor’s design ($400 for artwork not including printing or shipping)

• Create a professionally designed field trial promotion packet for casino managers ($500 not including printing or shipping)

• Custom designed rack cards ($225 double sided not including printing or shipping)

• Create a 1 minute promotional video showcasing the table game ($1,000 per finished minute)

• Create a short demo video showcasing the table game ($500)

• Custom designed business cards ($250 for artwork, printing & shipping)

• Dedicated page on Vegas Aces website to showcase table game invention ($250)

Extra features available for purchase:

• Additional consultation will be billed separately at $100 per hour

• Custom-made personalized website to showcase a new game ($1,500 for the landing page and $500 for each additional page after that )

• Game and inventor photo shoot ($200 per hour + $5 per edited photo)

• Custom designed spiral bound player rulebook ($300 + printing & shipping)

• Custom designed spiral bound dealer manual documenting the dealer procedures ($350 + printing & shipping)

• Player game testing and feedback ($500 for 3 hours with 4-5 players)

• Expert game testing and feedback ($1,000 for 2 hours with 3-4 experts)

Field Trial Package

Step 2. After you’ve completely finished creating all of the different components for your game, you’re ready for a Field Trial. The more polished your game and presentation are, the better your chances will be for casino placement. Now it’s time to excite those casino managers by using your custom designed table game materials to reveal a winning concept.

Starting at

$2,000

####

Package Includes

• Learning how to play and deal the game based on information provided by the inventor. This may include meetings and interviews with the inventor ($500 value, included at no charge)

• Calling table game directors about setting up a meeting to pitch and demo the game

  • Provide the director with a promotional packet and/or video of the game (optional but highly recommended)

• Pitch the game to the table game director ($400 per pitch)

• Demo the game to the table game director ($600 per demo + table top felt)

• Land a field trial with the casino (dependent on table game viability)

  • For every Field Trial Vegas Aces secures, a bonus of $1,000 will be paid

Extra features available for purchase

• Custom designed, new or modified gaming accessories or apparatuses (cards, dice, shakers, ties, etc.), if applicable. (Cost of design and order may vary)

• Schedule an appointment for a meeting between the inventor and a key decision maker at a casino($300 per appointment scheduled)

• Email blast to casino managers and table game directors based on specific locations ($100 per blast)

• LinkedIn post to casino managers and table game directors around the world ($100 per post)

• Livestream Tournament showcasing game play ($150 per livestream)

• Playable web-based version of your game ($1,200)

Prerequisites:

• Create an LLC to establish your business

• Custom table game felt layout, based on the inventor’s design

• Independant Math Analysis (We recommend Joseph Shipman )

• Certified Math Analysis (Contact BMM or GLI )

• Hire a Lawyer (We recommend either Richard Newman , Jon Muskin or Donna More )

  • Submit a patent for your game

  • Trademark the name of the game and the logo

• Speak with the state Gaming Control Board about what is required

What If I Can’t Get a Field Trial Placement?

Obtaining a Field Trial is difficult and sometimes it takes time. Don’t be discouraged and keep trying.

Step 2B. If you’re getting the same comments and advise about your game, you may need to make some changes. Keep in mind that it’s normal for casino games to evolve. Games that are commonly seen on the casino floor today, have gone through several different versions and many years of tweaking before finding the right combination. If your game wasn’t able to successfully obtain placement into a casino, then it’s time to take a look at the feedback and re-evaluate your game. After addressing all of the suggestions and concerns, go to step 1 with your new and improved game and start the process again. If you desire additional feedback on how to improve your game, we have a couple options available for you in our Marketing Package.

Training Package

Step 3. Congratulations. Your game was successfully given a field trial placement. In order to ensure good numbers, there are several factors to be aware of. The first is training. It’s important for casino dealers to have proper training on how to deal the game. If dealers have bad training or no training at all, this can cause a variety of problems that could lead to the downfall of a terrific game. It’s vital that dealers receive proper training on how to deal the game, as well as explaining how to play the game. By having Vegas Aces check in on them through out the field trial and make sure these dealers are conducting your game properly, this will ensure a more prosperous outcome.

Starting at

$3,500

plus cost of printing

Package Includes

• Provide casino dealers training ($2,000 live dealer training)

• Random assesment of casino dealers during a field trial period ($1,500 )

• Manage all communications with casino representative during the field trial ($500+ value, included at no charge)

In-House Promotions for Field Trial Package

Step 4. The real work begins after the table game inventor recieves a field trial. The next 90-day period is cruicial as the data recorded will determine if your game moves on to have multiple paid casino placements, or if it fades away into exsistence. If you want your new game to succeed, we highly reccommended fierce promoting tactics provided by the inventor. Keep in mind, the casino won’t market your game for you. It’s important to draw customers to your table and entice them to play by the following marketing tactics. Vegas Aces will create a buzz around your game, creating an inviting atmosphere to new players. This will gravitate the players toward the game increasing their desire to play and in turn bumping up the numbers that are cruicial to the success of the Fielt Trial.

Pricing

Varies

depending on casino

Marketing Packages Available:

• Place an entertainer next to the table & hand out free swag

  • Showgirl

  • Elvis

  • Magician

  • Mascot

• Host a party located next to the game where people can meet & greet an influencer

• Large sign located next to the game with a marketing slogan or design

• Promotional flyer placed in every room of the casino the game is located in

• Host a class on how to play the game while the game is closed

• Newspaper Article

• Radio Interview

• Sign flipper located on the corner of the street

• Facebook Ads

• Articles on 3

rd

party websites

• A dedicated how to play article on the Vegas Aces New Games section

• Demo video showcasing your game

Paid Placement Package

Step 5. Once an inventor receives final regulatory approval for their table game, the game is ready to be promoted to casinos for profit. As with field trial placement, the more polished the game and the presentation, the better the chances for placement. We’ll help you get into as many casinos as we can for a flat fee. You keep all of the monthly commission you make on the game and you’re not required to pay us a percentage fee for the lifetime of the game. The package below incorporates professional marketing and support to achieve placement.

Starting at

$2,700

plus cost of shipping

Package Includes

• Learning how to play and deal the game based on information provided by the inventor. This may include meetings and interviews with the inventor ($500 value, included at no charge)

• Calling table game directors about setting up a meeting to pitch and demo the game

  • Provide the director with a promotional packet and/or video of the game (optional but highly recommended)

• Pitch the game to the table game director ($300 per pitch)

• Demo the game to the table game director ($500 per demo + table top felt)

• Land a placement with the casino (dependent on table game viability)

  • For every placement Vegas Aces secures, a bonus of $1,000 will be paid

Extra features available for purchase

• Lollipop table game LED sign ($945 with artwork ) ($1,075 without artwork)

• Custom designed, new or modified gaming accessories or apparatuses (cards, dice, shakers, ties, etc.), if applicable. (Cost of design and order may vary)

• Email blast to casino managers and table game directors based on specific locations ($100 per blast)

• LinkedIn post to casino managers and table game directors around the world ($100 per post)

• Livestream Tournament showcasing game play ($150 per livestream)

• Playable web-based version of your game ($1,200)

Prerequisites:

• Your game has successfully completed it’s Field Trial period with the Gaming Control Board

• Create an LLC to establish your business

• Custom table game felt layout, based on the inventor’s design

• Independant Math Analysis (We recommend Joseph Shipman )

• Certified Math Analysis (Contact BMM or GLI )

• Hire a Lawyer (We recommend either Richard Newman , Jon Muskin or Donna More )

  • Submit a patent for your game

  • Trademark the name of the game and the logo

• Speak with the state Gaming Control Board about what is required

Transition Package

Step 6. When placing your game in multiple casinos, you’ll want to assure there’s a smooth transition. Why worry about unforeseen hiccups, missed placed equipment, or incredibly late start times. We’ll handle all of the logistics for getting your game in the casino and up and operating on schedule.

Starting at

$2,500

per casino

Package Includes

• All logistics are seen to for a effortless arrival into the casino ($500 )

• Provide casino dealers training ($2,000 live dealer training)

• Manage all communications with casino representative during the transition ($500+ value, included at no charge)

  • After the transition is complete, all communications with the casino will be the inventor’s responsibility

F.A.Q.

Who Controls Gaming in Nevada?

Nevada is known worldwide for gaming and with gaming comes regulation. The following agencies make certain that gaming in Nevada remains in the best interest of the state and its residents.

The Nevada Gaming Policy Committee is an advisory committee reconvened by Nevada’s Governor, Brian Sandoval in 2016 to gather information, discuss relevant issues that may affect gaming policy in Nevada, and to provide recommendations to the Nevada Gaming Commission and the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board is an investigative body that is responsible for protecting the stability of the gaming industry through investigations, licensing, and enforcement of laws and regulations; to ensure the collection of gaming taxes and fees an essential source of state revenue; and to maintain public confidence in gaming.

The Nevada Gaming Commission is the Final Authority on licensing matters as well as adopting regulations to implement and enforce the State laws governing gaming.

What Are the Responsibilities of the Nevada Gaming Commission?

In 1959, the Nevada Gaming Commission (“Commission”) was created by the passage of the Gaming Control Act (“Act”). The Act laid the foundation for what would become modern gaming regulation.

The Commission consists of five members appointed by the Governor to four-year terms, with one member acting as Chairman. The Commission members serve in a part-time capacity.

The primary responsibilities of the Commission include acting on the recommendations of the Board in licensing matters and ruling upon work permit appeal cases. The Commission is the Final Authority on licensing matters, having the ability to approve, restrict, limit, condition, deny, revoke or suspend any gaming license.

The Commission is also charged with the responsibility of adopting regulations to implement and enforce the State laws governing gaming.

When the Board believes discipline against a gaming licensee is appropriate, the Board acts in the prosecutorial capacity, while the Commission acts in the judicial capacity to determine whether any sanctions should be imposed.

What Does the Nevada Gaming Control Board Do?

The 1955 Legislature created the Gaming Control Board (“Board”) within the Nevada Tax Commission, whose purpose was to inaugurate a policy to eliminate the undesirable elements in Nevada gaming and to provide regulations for the licensing and the operation of gaming. The Board was also to establish rules and regulations for all tax reports to be submitted to the state by gaming licensees.

The Board consists of three full-time members appointed by the Governor for four-year terms, with one member acting as Chairman, and is responsible for regulating all aspects of Nevada’s gaming industry.

The primary purpose of the Board is to protect the stability of the gaming industry through investigations, licensing, and enforcement of laws and regulations; to ensure the collection of gaming taxes and fees an essential source of state revenue; and to maintain public confidence in gaming. The Board implements policy enforcing State laws and regulations governing gaming through six divisions (Administration, Audit, Enforcement, Investigations, Tax and License and Technology). Our gaming regulatory framework has developed a reputation around the globe as the leader through its 80 year history and long standing contributions of legislative and government leaders, gaming commissioners, board members and dedicated employees. This reputation has been greatly enhanced by the contributions of gaming lawyers, accountants, advisors and members of the academic community who have challenged our system with continued new ideas.

Our reputation has been built on a philosophy that gaming, when properly regulated, can thrive and be an important contribution to the economic welfare of our state. Our agency’s reputation has been built around a philosophy of consistent legal, ethical and fair-minded practices and actions. Our reputation has also been established through highly rigorous standards for licensing, suitability and operation. Maintaining a balance between rigorous standards for the industry and the kind of flexibility that permits innovation and prudent expansion is an overarching goal that guides not only our day to day decision making, but also our consideration of changes to regulations and statutes

What Is Nevada Gaming Control Board’s Mission?

The Nevada Gaming Commission and the Nevada Gaming Control Board govern Nevada’s gaming industry through strict regulation of all persons, locations, practices, associations and related activities. We protect the integrity and stability of the industry through our investigative and licensing practices, and we enforce laws and regulations, while holding gaming licensees to high standards. Through these practices, we are able to ensure the proper collection of taxes and fees that are an essential source of revenue for Nevada.

What Are Nevada Gaming Control Board’s Guiding Principles?

1. In all decisions and in the performance of our jobs, our highest priority is our duty to protect the citizens of Nevada and visitors to our state by ensuring the interests of the agency, any employee or any licensee are not placed above our duty to our citizens and visitors.

2. We act with a high degree of integrity, honesty and respect in carrying out our duties and in our interactions with our stakeholders.

3. We are committed to protecting the confidentiality of all information entrusted to us by applicants, licensees and other stakeholders.

4. Our objectivity, independence and impartiality are beyond reproach. We avoid all personal or professional circumstances or conflicts that would call these into question.

5. Our processes ensure that actions, decisions and policies are consistently applied and do not result in advantages or disadvantages to any party to the detriment of another.

6. Our investigations, audits and tests, while comprehensive, are objective and fair-minded. Written reports of such actions are made with a high degree of care with special attention to accuracy.

7. We carry out our duties in a rigorous and thorough manner and utilize the resources provided to us wisely and only for the legitimate purposes of the agency.

8. We continuously challenge ourselves to improve the practices and processes of the agency to keep pace with the industry’s change, growth and innovation and our legislative mandates.

9. We continuously improve our public communication and public access to provide guidance and assistance to those we hold accountable for compliance.

10. We foster and maintain cooperative relationships with other governmental bodies, domestic and foreign, and our professionalism and competence bolsters our reputation as world class participants in gaming regulation.

11. Our professional work environment is demanding and respects the individual differences of our employees. We set a high standard for hiring and advance employees based on demonstrated achievement.

What Does the Nevada Gaming Policy Committee Do?

The Gaming Policy Committee was created in 1961 by then-Governor Grant Sawyer. Governor Sandoval reconvened the Committee in 2012 to provide recommendations on how Nevada can best regulate interactive gaming. Prior to Sandoval’s action in 2012, the full group had not met since the 1980s. The objective of the Committee is to gather input from various constituencies, including the public, on gaming policy issues, for possible future consideration by Nevada’s Gaming Control Board and Gaming Commission, as appropriate.

According to state law, the Governor may call meetings of the Gaming Policy Committee for the exclusive purpose of discussing gaming policy. Any recommendations concerning gaming policy made by the Committee are advisory. The Committee and its predecessor, the Gaming Policy Board, provide a forum for the Governor, the gaming regulators, the gaming industry and the public to discuss gaming policy in the State of Nevada.

A new Nevada Gaming Policy Committee Report was due June 15, 2018. This information has been delayed due to continued policy and procedure discussions.