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Commission approves suitability finding for Novomatic executive amid ongoing Austrian probe
Summary
The commission approved the finding of suitability for Stefan Kren as a member of the executive board of Novomatic AG. Kren and company counsel updated the commission on multiple Austrian prosecutorial investigations, noting most probes were closed and one remained under preliminary investigation.
The Nevada Gaming Commission on July 24 granted a finding of suitability to Stefan Kren for his role as an executive board member of Novomatic AG, after questioning about European criminal investigations involving individuals associated with Novomatic.
Stefan Kren introduced his background and said he joined Novomatic in 2015 and was appointed to the executive board in February 2024. Commissioners asked Kren and company counsel to explain the status of multiple investigations in Austria, several of which the company said prosecutors had closed. Counsel said one investigative matter remained open in a preliminary phase and that the prosecutor at one point asked for additional inquiry; they said they expect that remaining matter will be closed.
Why it matters: Novomatic is a global gaming supplier, and Nevada licensing officials routinely review foreign investigations when considering suitability. Commissioners sought clarity about whether those investigations implicated Kren or Novomatic AG’s management and whether any outstanding matters could affect fitness to hold a Nevada license.
Key hearing details: - Kren said he had no personal involvement in the matters under investigation and that he had not been named as a suspect. - Company counsel explained that four of five investigated items had been closed and that the single remaining item related to an individual’s service on the supervisory board of another company rather than to Novomatic AG directly. - Counsel said the remaining investigation is at the prosecutor’s preliminary investigation stage and that they expect it will be closed.
Vote: A motion to approve the finding of suitability as recommended by Gaming Control Board staff carried without recorded opposition.
Quote (from the hearing): "I never personally have been a suspect in this whole course," Stefan Kren said during questioning about the investigations.
Ending: The commission approved Kren’s Nevada suitability finding while noting the ongoing preliminary investigations in Austria; staff and counsel agreed to update the commission if the status of the foreign investigations changes.
