Commission ready to begin licensing process for those seeking employment or contract work with the state’s new expanded gaming industry

Today the Massachusetts Gaming Commission and its Division of Licensing are pleased to announce the online availability of licensing forms and submission instructions for those seeking employment or vendor contracts with the Commonwealth’s new expanded gaming industry. Every casino employee and gaming vendor must be licensed or registered by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission prior to commencing employment or conducting business at a gaming establishment in Massachusetts.

Licensing forms and accompanying instructions for potential gaming employees and vendors are available on the commission’s website MassGaming.com located here.

MassGaming Chairman Steve Crosby stated, “The launch of the licensing process for gaming employees and vendors is another key milestone in our efforts to successfully introduce expanded gaming to the Commonwealth. Creating jobs and enhancing opportunities for local business is what The Gaming Act is all about. It is with great enthusiasm that we begin this phase of the Commission’s ongoing work.”

“An efficient licensing process is the cornerstone of effective regulation,” said David Acosta, MassGaming Director of Licensing. “Licenses or registrations are required to ensure that those involved with the expanded gaming industry meet the statutory requirements of good character, honesty and integrity by clear and convincing evidence.”

Application for licensure is a two-step process that requires the applicant to submit a completed application and to also be fingerprinted. The Division of Licensing will then conduct a background check to determine the applicant’s suitability. Depending on the license being sought, the investigation may take anywhere from 24 hours to several weeks. The suitability investigations will determine if a company or individual should be granted or denied a license or registration following the necessary background check.

The Gaming Act requires the licensing of key gaming and gaming employees, primary gaming vendors and some secondary gaming vendors. Certain gaming service employees and non-gaming vendors are required to register with the commission. A license is valid for three years and then must be renewed. A registration is valid for five years and then must be

Lastly, the Division of Licensing is in the process of completing the development of an online portal designed to offer a secure and efficient method of applying for any licenses with the Commission. Applicants will be credentialed with a login ID and password and will be able to complete all required forms online.  Applicants will receive email notifications about the status of their application as it works its way through the vetting and approval process. The Licensing Management System will streamline the application process and provide applicants with a secure way to interact with Commission staff.  The Licensing Management System is currently under development and is scheduled for initial release in the summer of 2014.