Board moves to implement SB203: repeals old 'disseminator' rules, creates service-provider framework for race broadcasts
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Summary
Following passage of SB203, the board voted to submit regulatory amendments that repeal the historic 'disseminator' licensing structure and instead require tracks and users to manage live-race broadcasts under identical terms; the changes also register system operators as service providers rather than license them.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board voted on Dec. 4 to forward a broad package of regulatory amendments implementing provisions of SB203 that modernize how horse-race broadcast and pari-mutuel services are regulated in Nevada.
Historically, "disseminators" served as licensed vendors that gathered and broadcast race data to Nevada race books. SB203 repealed licensing for disseminators and replaced parts of the prior structure with a registration model for service providers and direct contracting between tracks and users, provided all users receive identical financial terms.
Chief Rusty LeBlanc (Audit Division) and Senior Deputy Attorney General Ed McGaugh summarized the proposed changes: repeal obsolete rules tied to mid-20th-century simulcast technology, shift compliance responsibility to racetracks and users, require submission of executed track/user agreements so the board can confirm identical rates, and convert certain licensed entities (e.g., system operators) to registered service providers. The amendments also remove outdated reporting and licensing obligations and update cross-references and terminology across NGC regulations 5.20, 5.21, 5.22 and 26a/26b/26c.
Representatives from the industry (Off Track Pari-Mutuel Wagering Committee and Nevada Pari-Mutuel Association) largely supported the amendments, while longstanding disseminators raised concerns about the speed of legislative change and financial impacts. Todd Roberts (Nevada Disseminator Service) said the legislative changes effectively legislated his licensed business out of existence and asked the board and stakeholders to examine transitional mechanics (contracts, charter roles for MPMA or committee involvement) to simplify implementation. Board members acknowledged the practical urgency created by changes in the industry and stressed the board had actively solicited input during drafting.
Judge Assad moved to submit the proposed amendments (draft dated 11/14/2025) to the Commission with the record changes discussed; the motion passed with aye votes from the members present.
What’s next: Staff will finalize the revised regulatory package and submit it to the Nevada Gaming Commission for consideration and adoption; affected parties will have an opportunity to comment at the Commission stage.
