Can You Online Gamble in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas is globally recognized as the gambling capital of the world, but when it comes to online gambling, the legal landscape is more complex than many might assume. While Nevada has a long history of land-based casino gaming, the state’s approach to online gambling is far more limited and regulated. Here’s what you need to know about online gambling in Las Vegas.
Online Poker Is Legal in Nevada
As of now, Nevada is one of the few U.S. states that has legalized online poker. The Nevada Gaming Control Board regulates this activity, and only licensed operators approved by the state are allowed to offer real-money online poker to residents and visitors physically located within state lines. The most well-known legal online poker site operating in Nevada is WSOP.com, affiliated with Caesars Entertainment and the World Series of Poker.
Importantly, online poker in Nevada is limited to poker games only—no online casino games such as slots, roulette, or blackjack are permitted. The state entered a multi-state compact with Delaware and New Jersey to share online poker player pools, allowing a more dynamic and populated player base.
Online Sports Betting Is Legal and Popular
Online sports betting is also legal in Las Vegas and across Nevada. Many of the major casino resorts operate their own mobile sports betting apps, including BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, and Station Casinos’ STN Sports. However, there’s a key restriction: players must first register for these apps in person at a physical sportsbook within the state before placing bets remotely. Once the registration is completed, users can place bets online as long as they are physically located in Nevada.
This requirement limits the convenience of fully remote gambling but ensures control over user verification and responsible gaming compliance.
Online Casino Games Are Not Legal
One of the biggest surprises to many visitors is that Nevada does not allow online casino games like online slots, blackjack, or roulette. This may seem counterintuitive given the massive land-based casino industry in Las Vegas. However, the state legislature and gaming authorities have chosen a cautious approach, focusing on poker and sports betting while evaluating future expansions.
As of 2025, there is no legislative approval for any operators to offer full online casino gaming within the state. Any platforms claiming to offer online casino gambling to Nevada residents are likely offshore and unregulated, carrying legal and financial risks.
Social Casinos and Sweepstakes Are Legal
While real-money online casino games are not permitted, residents and visitors can access “social casinos” and sweepstakes-based platforms. These websites do not require users to wager real money to play and instead operate on virtual currencies with optional in-app purchases. Examples include Chumba Casino and Global Poker, which operate legally under U.S. sweepstakes law and offer the chance to win cash prizes through sweepstakes entries.
Offshore Casinos Are Technically Illegal
There are hundreds of online casinos based offshore that claim to accept players from Nevada. While they may be easily accessible via the internet, they are not licensed or regulated by the Nevada Gaming Commission or any U.S. authority. Playing on these sites is risky and potentially illegal, especially when it comes to player protections, dispute resolution, and the legality of winnings.
Future Outlook
Nevada’s focus remains on protecting its robust land-based casino industry, which may explain its conservative stance on online casino expansion. However, as other states like New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania continue to show strong revenue growth from legal online casino operations, pressure may build on Nevada lawmakers to reconsider.
Any potential expansion would likely require legislative changes and strong lobbying from existing casino operators. The timeline remains uncertain, but the technology and interest already exist—it’s a matter of regulatory will.
Conclusion
In summary, online gambling in Las Vegas is legal only in very specific forms: online poker and mobile sports betting, both heavily regulated. Online casino games remain off-limits, although social casinos and sweepstakes sites offer a legal alternative. Anyone in Las Vegas interested in online gambling must be aware of the legal boundaries and avoid unlicensed offshore sites to ensure a safe and lawful experience.
