Commission grants five‑year limited license to Empire Technological Group after contentious review

The Nevada Gaming Commission on July 24 approved a five‑year limited license and related conditions for Empire Technological Group (doing business as Aruze Gaming Global), following extended questioning about financial history, intercompany transfers and pending litigation with Paradise Entertainment.

Board staff had recommended a five‑year limited license after a detailed investigation; two board members had supported broader licensing while others recommended limitations. On the commission floor, counsel and Empire executives defended the company’s separation from entities connected to Paradise and described a series of short‑term intercompany advances that were later repaid. Empire’s representatives said the company has added a substantial compliance team and completed operational separation steps since earlier hearings.

Why it matters: Empire is a manufacturer and distributor of slot machines and related gaming product support, with installations in Nevada and worldwide. Commissioners and staff parsed complex corporate and financial histories, including transfers between Empire, LT Game Canada, and related parties, and a federal lawsuit filed by Paradise challenging aspects of those relationships.

Key points from the hearing: - Company history and disputes: Counsel explained that questions about related‑party ownership were central to earlier limitations and that Paradise’s filings in other fora do not demonstrate ownership of Empire. Counsel noted Paradise dropped claims of ownership in federal litigation while maintaining other claims. - Financials and financing plan: Empire presented confidential pro forma financials and a projected capital raise intended to pay down a line of credit and fund product investment. Empire’s finance officer said the company expects operating profitability in 2025 and had engaged an investment advisor to pursue financing by year‑end. - Compliance upgrades: Empire has hired senior compliance and legal staff (including former board personnel) and voluntarily adopted a compliance committee; the Gaming Control Board recommended a continuing compliance committee condition and a $50,000 revolving fund to support monitoring.

Commissioners split on the appropriateness of removing a time limitation entirely. Commissioner Solis Rainey cast the lone dissenting vote and reiterated concerns about historical business relationships, alleged employee movement and the pending federal litigation; other commissioners said the company had substantially improved compliance and governance and that a five‑year conditional license was an appropriate path forward.

Vote and conditions: The motion to approve with a five‑year limitation, quarterly reporting, a compliance committee and a $50,000 revolving fund passed 4–1. The commission’s order requires the compliance committee and the fund as conditions of licensure, and the company agreed in the hearing record to take steps to strengthen financial controls and complete the planned capital raise.

Quotes (from the hearing): "We believe they have demonstrated they are prepared to meet those challenges in the manner expected of Nevada licensees," counsel Scott Scherer said of Empire's compliance team and operational changes.

"All customers are important, but no customer is that important," Empire’s witness said in describing the company’s AML posture during questioning about source of funds and suspicious activity reporting.

Ending: The commission’s conditional approval allows Empire to continue operations in Nevada under active oversight. Officials said the five‑year period will give regulators time to verify the company’s financial and compliance improvements while preserving the company’s ability to operate and service installed products in the state.