When you apply for a gaming license in the United States, you quickly realize that the requirements vary from state to state. A crucial part of this process is submitting fingerprints. Here, we look at how different states handle this.
Nevada
Nevada, home to Las Vegas, has a strict and detailed licensing process. Applicants must have their fingerprints taken by a recognized agency. These are then used for extensive background checks conducted by both the FBI and the Nevada Gaming Control Board. This process helps ensure the integrity and safety of the state's gaming industry.
Type of Fingerprint Cards: FD-258 card
Color of the Card: White with blue borders
In Nevada, applicants must have their fingerprints taken on the standard FD-258 card, which is white with blue borders. This card is used for both FBI and Nevada Gaming Control Board background checks.
New Jersey
In New Jersey, where Atlantic City is a major gaming hub, fingerprints are also used in a similar manner. Applicants must have their fingerprints taken as part of their initial application. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) uses these prints to conduct a thorough background check. This helps identify any criminal activities that could threaten the integrity of the gaming industry.
Type of Fingerprint Cards: SBI 19 card
Color of the Card:Â White with black borders
For a gaming license in New Jersey, applicants must submit their fingerprints on an SBI 19 card. This card is white with black borders and is used by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) for extensive background checks.
Mississippi
Mississippi also requires fingerprints from all gaming license applicants. These are taken and checked by both the FBI and the Mississippi Gaming Commission. This process is similar to that of Nevada and New Jersey, focusing on maintaining strict security and integrity standards within the gaming sector.
Type of Fingerprint Cards:Â FD-258 card
Color of the Card:Â White with blue borders
Mississippi uses the same FD-258 card as Nevada. The card is white with blue borders and is used for background checks by the FBI and the Mississippi Gaming Commission.
Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, applicants must submit their fingerprints to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. Like in other states, these prints are used for a deep background check. Pennsylvania uses both national and state databases to ensure that applicants do not have a criminal record that would disqualify them for a gaming license.
Type of Fingerprint Cards: FD-258 card
Color of the Card: White with blue borders
In Pennsylvania, applicants must use the standard FD-258 card, which is white with blue borders. This card is submitted to IdentoGo, which conducts thorough background checks for the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
Illinois
Illinois has a slightly different process. Here, applicants must have their fingerprints taken by a state-approved provider. The Illinois Gaming Board uses these prints to conduct an extensive background check. This process helps ensure regulatory compliance and maintain a fair and safe gaming industry.
Type of Fingerprint Cards: IL-402 card
Color of the Card: White with green borders
In Illinois, applicants use the IL-402 card for their fingerprints. This card is white with green borders and is used by the Illinois Gaming Board to conduct extensive background checks. These cards are mailed to applicants from the U.S.
California
In California, applicants must submit their fingerprints to the California Gambling Control Commission. These fingerprints are used for both FBI and state background checks. This process ensures that applicants do not have a criminal record that would disqualify them for a gaming license. The fingerprints are electronically submitted via a Live Scan system, making the process efficient and fast.
Type of Fingerprint Cards: FD-258 card
Color of the Card:Â White with blue borders
In California, gaming license applicants must have their fingerprints taken on the FD-258 card. This card, white with blue borders, is the standard fingerprint card often used for FBI background checks. The California Gambling Control Commission requires these fingerprints to be used for both FBI and state background checks to ensure applicants do not have criminal activities that could compromise the integrity of the gaming industry.
Washington
In Washington, applicants must submit their fingerprints to the Washington State Gambling Commission. Like in other states, these prints are used for a deep background check. Washington uses both national and state databases to ensure that applicants do not have a criminal record that would disqualify them for a gaming license.
Type of Fingerprint Cards: FD-258 card
Color of the Card:Â White with blue borders
Washington also uses the FD-258 card for fingerprints. The card, white with blue borders, is submitted to the Washington State Gambling Commission. The prints are checked by both the FBI and local agencies to ensure the integrity of the applicants.
Conclusion of the comparison
Although the basic principle of taking fingerprints for gaming license applications is similar in most states, there are nuances in how the processes are carried out. States like Nevada, New Jersey, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Illinois, California, and Washington all have strict requirements and use fingerprints to ensure the integrity of their gaming industries. By understanding these differences, applicants can better prepare for what lies ahead in the licensing process.
Do you need fingerprints for a U.S. gaming license application? You can always contact us to explore the possibilities—we can even travel to your country to collect the fingerprints.
