Slot machine manufacturer Bally Technologies has become the first company to receive a recommendation for a Nevada online gaming license by the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

The company, which is a leader in slot machines, video machines, casino-management, interactive games and server systems for the gaming industry, is among more than a dozen companies who are currently looking to secure a Nevada gaming license.

The license will allow its recipient to offer legal online casino and poker games to Nevada residents once a testing period is over and the system is launched, likely in the beginning of 2013.

Nevada is the first state in the U.S. to adopt an intra-state, license-based online gambling system. With yesterday's recommendation, Bally will be the first company in U.S. history to receive an official green light to apply for an online gambling license.

"This is a historic day for Bally Technologies, for Nevada, and for the gaming industry," said Bally Technologies CEO Richard Haddrill in a press release.

"We are very grateful for the Board's recommendation and are excited about being the first company recommended by a U.S. state for licensing to offer online gaming products and services," he added.

Bally is likely to be followed by a string of other major online gaming companies who have also applied for licenses, including bwin.party, Ceasears Entertainment, MGM Resorts and the new owners of the Ongame Network, Shufflemaster.