As part of its lengthy preparations to offer real-money gambling via its social games in the U.S., Zynga has taken the first step towards acquiring a Nevada gaming license, which would help pave the way towards giving American players a chance to give the company their money without getting virtual livestock in exchange.
They've comleted the step before paying off the mob, but there's still a long row to hoe. Zynga chief revenue officer Barry Cottle announced the filing in an official statement this evening.
"Zynga has filed its Application for a Preliminary Finding of Suitability from the Nevada Gaming Control Board. This filing continues our strategic effort to enter regulated RMG markets in a prudent way. We anticipate that the process will take approximately 12 to 18 months to complete. As we've said previously, the broader U.S. market is an opportunity that's further out on the horizon based on legislative developments, but we are preparing for a regulated market."
Zynga has already partnered with bwin.party to offer real-money gambling in the UK in the first half of next year.