(a) Upon receipt of an application for a gaming license, the commission shall instruct the bureau to commence an investigation into the suitability of the applicant. In evaluating the suitability of the applicant, the commission shall consider the overall reputation of the applicant including, without limitation:

1. (1) the integrity, honesty, good character and reputation of the applicant;
2. (2) the financial stability, integrity and background of the applicant;
3. (3) the business practices and the business ability of the applicant to establish and maintain a successful gaming establishment;
4. (4) whether the applicant has a history of compliance with gaming licensing requirements in other jurisdictions;
5. (5) whether the applicant, at the time of application, is a defendant in litigation involving its business practices;
6. (6) the suitability of all parties in interest to the gaming license, including affiliates and close associates and the financial resources of the applicant; and
7. (7) whether the applicant is disqualified from receiving a license under section 16; provided, however, that in considering the rehabilitation of an applicant for a gaming license, the commission shall not automatically disqualify an applicant if the applicant affirmatively demonstrates, by clear and convincing evidence, that the applicant has financial responsibility, character, reputation, integrity and general fitness as such to warrant belief by the commission that the applicant will act honestly, fairly, soundly and efficiently as a gaming licensee.