Online Gambling in Nevada: What You Need to Know
Nevada, home to the world-famous gambling city of Las Vegas, has long been a pioneer in the gambling industry. But when it comes to online gambling, the rules in Nevada are surprisingly strict and specific. While land-based casinos flourish across the state, online gambling is only legal under very particular circumstances. If you’re a resident or visitor wondering whether you can legally gamble online in Nevada, here’s what you need to know.
Online Sports Betting Is Legal
Nevada allows online sports betting, but it comes with one major condition: you must register for an account in person at a licensed sportsbook. Once registered, you can use the casino’s mobile app to place sports wagers from anywhere within Nevada state lines. This system is designed to ensure compliance with Nevada Gaming Control Board regulations and to prevent underage or unauthorized gambling.
Apps from casinos like Westgate SuperBook, Caesars Sportsbook, BetMGM, and others are operational in the state. These apps are legal, regulated, and provide a secure way to place bets on sports events, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and international leagues.
Online Poker Is Legal, But Limited
Nevada is one of the few states in the U.S. where online poker is legal. The state launched regulated online poker in 2013, and the only major operator currently active is WSOP.com, powered by Caesars Entertainment. This platform allows players located within Nevada to play real-money poker online.
Nevada is also part of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), which allows player pools to be shared between states like New Jersey, Delaware, and Michigan. This means Nevada-based players on WSOP.com can compete against players from other participating states, increasing game liquidity and variety.
No Legal Online Casinos
Despite its reputation as the gambling capital of the world, Nevada does not allow online casino games like slots, roulette, or blackjack. The state has decided to keep these types of gambling activities restricted to its physical casinos.
This means platforms like DraftKings Casino, FanDuel Casino, and BetRivers, which operate in other states with legalized online casinos, are not available in Nevada. Playing at unlicensed offshore online casinos remains illegal and comes with significant legal and financial risks.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) Are Effectively Banned
Unlike many other states, Nevada does not permit daily fantasy sports (DFS) like FanDuel or DraftKings unless the operator obtains a license from the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Since neither company has opted to go through the licensing process, DFS is currently unavailable to residents of Nevada.
Responsible Gambling Measures
All legal online gambling in Nevada is regulated by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, which enforces strict guidelines around age verification, location tracking, and responsible gaming. Players must be at least 21 years old to participate in any form of gambling, including online sports betting or poker.
Conclusion
In Nevada, online gambling is legal but heavily regulated. Sports betting and poker are available online under specific conditions, while online casino games and daily fantasy sports remain off-limits. If you’re in Nevada and want to gamble online legally, your best bet is to visit a licensed sportsbook in person to register for mobile sports betting or to join WSOP.com for poker. Always avoid offshore casinos, as they are not regulated and pose considerable risks.
