Las Vegas, Nevada – The chief executive of Australian poker machine manufacturer Ainsworth Game Technology (AGT), Harald Neumann, has been sharply criticised by Nevada gaming regulators, who branded him "arrogant," "evasive," and "unsuitable" to hold a licence in the world’s most influential gaming jurisdiction.
Neumann’s bid to renew his gaming licence as the Las Vegas–based CEO of AGT failed this week after a tense public hearing before the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB). Board members urged him to withdraw his application, with one member, retired judge George Assad, bluntly telling Neumann: “Your whole attitude stinks.”
The NGCB’s rebuke has cast serious doubt over Neumann’s future at the helm of the Australian-listed manufacturer, with Ainsworth confirming it is reviewing his position as a result.
The hearing followed reports earlier this year that Neumann was under investigation in Austria for alleged corruption — a matter not disclosed publicly by Ainsworth at the time. Nevada regulators were reportedly angered by Neumann’s conduct during their four-year vetting process, describing him as “hostile and belligerent,” “disrespectful,” and “intentionally misleading.”
Board member Chandeni Sendall said Neumann had failed to demonstrate the “good character, honesty and integrity” required for a Nevada gaming licence.
“Qualifying as a licensed officer in Nevada is considered the gold standard in global gaming compliance,” said one industry observer. “Losing that status puts any executive — and by extension their company — under intense scrutiny.”
The outcome leaves both Neumann and Ainsworth facing uncertainty in a jurisdiction that serves as a benchmark for gaming regulation worldwide.
