Designing a Scalable, Accessible Licensing Platform for State Gaming Regulation

Designing a Scalable, Accessible Licensing Platform for State Gaming Regulation

Overview

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) oversees one of the most regulated industries in the world, managing the licensing, investigation, and compliance processes for all gaming entities and individuals in the state. As Lead UX/UI Designer, I was responsible for designing a modern, accessible, and centralized SaaS platform to replace outdated manual processes. The initiative included building an enterprise-level design system with over 1,800 reusable Figma components to streamline operations, improve transparency, and ensure full WCAG and Section 508 compliance.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) oversees one of the most regulated industries in the world, managing the licensing, investigation, and compliance processes for all gaming entities and individuals in the state.

As Senior UX/UI Designer, I was responsible for designing a modern, accessible, and centralized SaaS platform to replace outdated manual processes. The initiative included building an enterprise-level design system with over 1,800 reusable Figma components to streamline operations, improve transparency, and ensure full WCAG and Section 508 compliance.

Problem

The previous licensing process relied on legacy systems and manual data entry, creating delays, inconsistent user experiences, and inefficiencies across departments.

Key pain points included:

  • Fragmented workflows between applicants, investigators, and administrators.

  • Redundant data input and lack of centralized information.

  • Outdated, non-accessible interfaces that hindered user productivity and public usability.

Solution

I led the end-to-end UX/UI redesign of the Licensing System, developing a scalable, component-driven design system and unified workflows for internal staff and external applicants. Working closely with investigators, legal staff, and IT, we mapped complex regulatory processes into clear, intuitive digital pathways. The result was a modern SaaS platform that automated manual tasks, improved accessibility, and created a cohesive design foundation for future modules within the NGCB ecosystem.

Client

Nevada Gaming Control Board

Industry: Government / Regulatory Agency

Project Date: Jun 2021 - October 2022

Description: A state government agency responsible for regulating Nevada’s gaming industry through licensing, investigations, and enforcement to ensure integrity and compliance.

Team

  • Senior UX/UI Designer

  • 3 Business Analysts

  • 1 Product Owners

  • 10 Developers

Tools

  • Figma

  • Jira

  • Adobe Photoshop

2025 Revision Design

  • Figma

  • Chat GPT

  • Google Stitch

2021 - 2022 Design

  • Figma

  • Jira

  • Adobe Photoshop

2025 Revision Design

  • Figma

  • Chat GPT

  • Google Stitch

Solution

I led the end-to-end UX/UI redesign of the Licensing System, developing a scalable, component-driven design system and unified workflows for internal staff and external applicants. Working closely with investigators, legal staff, and IT, we mapped complex regulatory processes into clear, intuitive digital pathways. The result was a modern SaaS platform that automated manual tasks, improved accessibility, and created a cohesive design foundation for future modules within the NGCB ecosystem.

Client

Nevada Gaming Control Board

Industry: Government / Regulatory Agency

Project Date: Jun 2021 - October 2022

Description: A state government agency responsible for regulating Nevada’s gaming industry through licensing, investigations, and enforcement to ensure integrity and compliance.

Client

Nevada Gaming Control Board

Industry: Government / Regulatory Agency

Project Date: Jun 2021 - October 2022

Description: A state government agency responsible for regulating Nevada’s gaming industry through licensing, investigations, and enforcement to ensure integrity and compliance.

Team

  • Senior UX/UI Designer

  • 3 Business Analysts

  • 1 Product Owners

  • 10 Developers

Team

  • Senior UX/UI Designer

  • 3 Business Analysts

  • 1 Product Owners

  • 10 Developers

Tools

2021 - 2022 Design

  • Figma

  • Jira

  • Adobe Photoshop

2025 Revision Design

  • Figma

  • Chat GPT

  • Google Stitch

Tools

2021 - 2022 Design

  • Figma

  • Jira

  • Adobe Photoshop

2025 Revision Design

  • Figma

  • Chat GPT

  • Google Stitch

Project Goals

The primary goals of the project were to modernize the Nevada Gaming Control Board’s legacy licensing platform into a streamlined, accessible SaaS application, ensuring scalability and compliance with WCAG and Section 508 standards.


The redesign aimed to improve efficiency, transparency, and consistency across all user interactions for applicants, investigators, and administrators.

The primary goals of the project were to modernize the Nevada Gaming Control Board’s legacy licensing platform into a streamlined, accessible SaaS application, ensuring scalability and compliance with WCAG and Section 508 standards.

The redesign aimed to improve efficiency, transparency, and consistency across all user interactions for applicants, investigators, and administrators.

Modernize & Simplify Processes

Transform a legacy, paper-driven workflow into a digital platform that reduces manual input and improves efficiency.

Ensure Accessibility & Compliance

Design an inclusive interface that meets WCAG 2.1 and Section 508 standards for both public and internal users.

Create Scalable Consistency

Develop a robust design system with reusable components to maintain visual and functional consistency across modules.

Modernize & Simplify Processes

Transform a legacy, paper-driven workflow into a digital platform that reduces manual input and improves efficiency.

Modernize & Simplify Processes

Transform a legacy, paper-driven workflow into a digital platform that reduces manual input and improves efficiency.

Ensure Accessibility & Compliance

Design an inclusive interface that meets WCAG 2.1 and Section 508 standards for both public and internal users.

Ensure Accessibility & Compliance

Design an inclusive interface that meets WCAG 2.1 and Section 508 standards for both public and internal users.

Create Scalable Consistency

Develop a robust design system with reusable components to maintain visual and functional consistency across modules.

Create Scalable Consistency

Develop a robust design system with reusable components to maintain visual and functional consistency across modules.

The primary goals of the project were to modernize the Nevada Gaming Control Board’s legacy licensing platform into a streamlined, accessible SaaS application, ensuring scalability and compliance with WCAG and Section 508 standards.

The redesign aimed to improve efficiency, transparency, and consistency across all user interactions for applicants, investigators, and administrators.

Modernize & Simplify Processes

Transform a legacy, paper-driven workflow into a digital platform that reduces manual input and improves efficiency.

Modernize & Simplify Processes

Transform a legacy, paper-driven workflow into a digital platform that reduces manual input and improves efficiency.

Ensure Accessibility & Compliance

Design an inclusive interface that meets WCAG 2.1 and Section 508 standards for both public and internal users.

Ensure Accessibility & Compliance

Design an inclusive interface that meets WCAG 2.1 and Section 508 standards for both public and internal users.

Create Scalable Consistency

Develop a robust design system with reusable components to maintain visual and functional consistency across modules.

Create Scalable Consistency

Develop a robust design system with reusable components to maintain visual and functional consistency across modules.

Interviews with Stakeholders

Through stakeholder interviews with licensing officers, investigators, and IT staff, three major insights emerged:

Workflow Fragmentation

Investigators used multiple tools and data sources to complete a single application review.

Lack of Transparency

Applicants had limited visibility into the progress of their licensing process, leading to repeated inquiries.

Need for Standardization

Different departments used their own forms and styles, making training and collaboration difficult.

Interviews with Stakeholders

Efficiency concerns

Agents reported spending extra time on routine tasks due to inconsistent workflows.

Workflow Fragmentation

Investigators used multiple tools and data sources to complete a single application review.

Cross-team alignment

Product managers emphasized the need for a system that eliminated duplicate work across teams.

Lack of Transparency

Applicants had limited visibility into the progress of their licensing process, leading to repeated inquiries.

Future-proofing

Leadership required a scalable design foundation that would adapt to evolving business needs and regulatory requirements.

Need for Standardization

Different departments used their own forms and styles, making training and collaboration difficult.

Through stakeholder interviews with licensing officers, investigators, and IT staff, three major insights emerged:

Interviews with Stakeholders

Through stakeholder interviews with licensing officers, investigators, and IT staff, three major insights emerged:

Workflow Fragmentation

Investigators used multiple tools and data sources to complete a single application review.

Lack of Transparency

Applicants had limited visibility into the progress of their licensing process, leading to repeated inquiries.

Need for Standardization

Different departments used their own forms and styles, making training and collaboration difficult.

User Journey

This journey illustrates the experience of an individual or business user applying for a new gaming license through the redesigned Nevada Gaming Control Board SaaS Licensing Portal—from initial login to application tracking.

1. Login and Dashboard Access

The user begins by accessing the secure, modern login page of the NGCB Licensing Portal. Upon authentication, they are greeted with a personalized dashboard displaying key metrics such as pending, approved, and denied applications. A collapsible sidebar provides streamlined navigation to sections like Licensing, Renewals, Background Checks, and Reports. The clean layout and prominent quick actions enable users to begin tasks immediately with minimal friction.

2. Initiating a New License Application

From either the dashboard or the Licensing section, users select “Start New Application.” They are guided to an Applicant Type Selection screen, choosing whether to apply as an Individual or a Business. This initial step dynamically tailors the subsequent forms and questions to match the applicant’s specific context.

3. Multi-Step Application Form (Example: Individual Applicant)

The user proceeds through a clearly defined, step-by-step application flow.

  • Step 1: The system collects essential personal details - contact information, identification, and declarations. A progress bar at the top visually communicates completion status.

  • Step 2: The form expands to capture deeper background data, employment history, and regulatory disclosures. Breadcrumbs and inline validation help maintain orientation and prevent user error.
    Throughout the process, microinteractions such as subtle spinners or save confirmations reinforce system responsiveness and data integrity.

4. Review and Submission

After completing all steps, the user reaches a Review & Submit screen that consolidates every entered detail for final verification. Users can easily navigate back to make edits or confirm accuracy before proceeding. A declaration section ensures legal acknowledgment prior to submission. A bold “Submit Application” button finalizes the process.

5. Submission Confirmation and Next Steps

Upon submission, the system displays a confirmation screen featuring a success message, unique reference number, and clear next steps such as “Application under review” or “Estimated processing time.” From here, users can choose to view application status immediately or return to their dashboard.

6. Tracking Application Status

Within the My Applications section, users can view all submitted licenses in a sortable, filterable table—complete with submission dates, types, and real-time statuses (e.g., Pending, Approved, Denied). Selecting an application opens a detailed, read-only view showing:

  • Submitted information

  • Timeline of review milestones

  • Regulator notes and comments

  • Options to download or contact support

This intuitive workflow empowers users with transparency, accessibility, and control over their licensing journey—turning a once paper-heavy, fragmented process into a cohesive, self-service digital experience.

User Journey

This journey illustrates the experience of an individual or business user applying for a new gaming license through the redesigned Nevada Gaming Control Board SaaS Licensing Portal—from initial login to application tracking.

1. Login and Dashboard Access

The user begins by accessing the secure, modern login page of the NGCB Licensing Portal. Upon authentication, they are greeted with a personalized dashboard displaying key metrics such as pending, approved, and denied applications. A collapsible sidebar provides streamlined navigation to sections like Licensing, Renewals, Background Checks, and Reports. The clean layout and prominent quick actions enable users to begin tasks immediately with minimal friction.


2. Initiating a New License Application

From either the dashboard or the Licensing section, users select “Start New Application.” They are guided to an Applicant Type Selection screen, choosing whether to apply as an Individual or a Business. This initial step dynamically tailors the subsequent forms and questions to match the applicant’s specific context.


3. Multi-Step Application Form (Example: Individual Applicant)

The user proceeds through a clearly defined, step-by-step application flow.

  • Step 1: The system collects essential personal details - contact information, identification, and declarations. A progress bar at the top visually communicates completion status.

  • Step 2: The form expands to capture deeper background data, employment history, and regulatory disclosures. Breadcrumbs and inline validation help maintain orientation and prevent user error.
    Throughout the process, microinteractions such as subtle spinners or save confirmations reinforce system responsiveness and data integrity.


4. Review and Submission

After completing all steps, the user reaches a Review & Submit screen that consolidates every entered detail for final verification. Users can easily navigate back to make edits or confirm accuracy before proceeding. A declaration section ensures legal acknowledgment prior to submission. A bold “Submit Application” button finalizes the process.


5. Submission Confirmation and Next Steps

Upon submission, the system displays a confirmation screen featuring a success message, unique reference number, and clear next steps such as “Application under review” or “Estimated processing time.” From here, users can choose to view application status immediately or return to their dashboard.


6. Tracking Application Status

Within the My Applications section, users can view all submitted licenses in a sortable, filterable table—complete with submission dates, types, and real-time statuses (e.g., Pending, Approved, Denied). Selecting an application opens a detailed, read-only view showing:

  • Submitted information

  • Timeline of review milestones

  • Regulator notes and comments

  • Options to download or contact support


This intuitive workflow empowers users with transparency, accessibility, and control over their licensing journey—turning a once paper-heavy, fragmented process into a cohesive, self-service digital experience.

Design Elements

The redesigned Licensing System Design System builds upon the foundation of the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS), modernized and expanded to meet the complex needs of a 2025 SaaS environment. My updated version introduces a refined visual language, enhanced accessibility standards, and over 1,800 reusable Figma components optimized for responsive enterprise applications. This evolution ensures consistency, scalability, and future readiness for government-grade digital products in a modern cloud-based ecosystem.

The redesigned Licensing System Design System builds upon the foundation of the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS), modernized and expanded to meet the complex needs of a 2025 SaaS environment.

My updated version introduces a refined visual language, enhanced accessibility standards, and over 1,800 reusable Figma components optimized for responsive enterprise applications. This evolution ensures consistency, scalability, and future readiness for government-grade digital products in a modern cloud-based ecosystem.

The redesigned Licensing System Design System builds upon the foundation of the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS), modernized and expanded to meet the complex needs of a 2025 SaaS environment.

My updated version introduces a refined visual language, enhanced accessibility standards, and over 1,800 reusable Figma components optimized for responsive enterprise applications. This evolution ensures consistency, scalability, and future readiness for government-grade digital products in a modern cloud-based ecosystem.

Result

The redesigned licensing platform achieved a 35% increase in workflow efficiency, enabling investigators and licensing officers to complete application reviews faster and with fewer errors.

  • Approval turnaround times dropped by 25%, helping to reduce backlog and improve responsiveness to applicants.

  • Stakeholder feedback showed high satisfaction with the new system: users praised its clarity, transparency, and ease of use, resulting in fewer support requests and fewer status-check inquiries.

  • The centralized design system also delivered internal gains: new modules could be shipped 20–30% faster, and redundant design work across departments was eliminated.

Designing a Scalable, Accessible Licensing Platform for State Gaming Regulation