Legal sports betting in Nevada has been alive and well since 1949 when lawmakers passed legislation that would capitalize on Las Vegas becoming a tourist attraction for gamblers. Shortly after sports betting was legalized, it grew in popularity in Las Vegas venues called “turf clubs” until the first sportsbook was built inside a casino in 1976 at the Stardust. Nevada was the first state to allow online sports wagering in 2010 when Leroy’s Sportsbook (later acquired by William Hill) began offering a sports betting app on Blackberry phones.
With 14 reputable online sportsbooks in Nevada, you have more options than bettors in other states. I will provide you with the best sports betting options Nevada has to offer and explain how to get started betting on sports. I’ll also provide details on the state’s path toward legal sports betting, which Nevada teams you can wager on and responsible gambling resources.
Is Sports betting Legal In the state
Yes of course, sports betting is legal in Nevada, which is known for its popular gambling hubs in Las Vegas and Reno. Nevada officially legalized sports betting in 1949 and additional legislation in 1975 allowed sportsbooks to be built within casinos. Nevada was also a pioneer when it came to online gambling as it was the first state to allow betting from mobile devices in 2010. It’s worth noting, especially for those visiting Las Vegas for a short vacation, that Nevada still doesn’t allow remote registration for mobile sportsbook apps. This quirk means that in order to register for a sportsbook, bettors need to visit the casino in person to complete registration. Unlike several other states, Nevada does allow NFL Draft betting and has no restrictions on NCAA sports wagers.
Nevada Quick Facts
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Timeline of Betting Legislation & Latest News:
Nevada’s path to legal sports betting looks different than any other state in the U.S. because it passed legislation way back in 1949 after tourists began flocking to Las Vegas to gamble. In 1975, sportsbooks began transitioning from “turf clubs” to Las Vegas casinos thanks to additional legislation. Today, Las Vegas is still the premier destination for sports betting in the U.S. even though other states began to offer sports betting after the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling.
March 19, 1931
Governor Fred Balzar signs Assembly Bill 98 (AB 98) into law. The bill permitted gambling on table games, and essentially brought underground betting into the mainstream and set the stage for the large gambling industry we see in Las Vegas today.
1949
Sports betting becomes legal in Nevada and sports wagering becomes popular at venues called “turf clubs” which were separate from casinos.
1951
Congress levies a 10% tax on all sportsbooks’ handle (the total money brought in prior to it being divided up based on who wins and who loses). The tax causes a lot of sportsbooks to go out of business and increased illegal bookies and organized crime.
1955
Nevada creates the Gaming Control Board which regulates the legal gambling activity in the state.
1974
Congress rescinds 10% tax on sportsbooks and replaces it with a more industry-friendly 2% tax.
1975
Nevada lawmakers allow race and sportsbooks to operate inside of Las Vegas casinos.
1984
Congress reduces the federal tax rate on sportsbooks from 2% to .5%.
October 28, 1992
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) is passed and prohibits other states from sports betting. Because Nevada has pre-existing sports betting laws on the books, it’s allowed to continue operating and doesn’t have to worry about future competition from other states.
September 1, 2010
Nevada becomes the first state to approve betting from mobile phones.
May 14, 2018
U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), paving the way for more competition from other states offering sports betting.
How to start betting in nevada
Nevada doesn’t offer remote registration, which means you’ll need to visit the retail location of your chosen sportsbook with valid government-issued identification to complete your registration process. You’re welcome to get started from home by going to your new sportsbook’s website and providing them with personal information (Address, phone number, last 4 of social security number etc.). Once you’ve completed the online portion of registration, you’ll then visit the retail location of that same sportsbook which will verify your identity and get you started. After completing registration in person, you’re welcome to place wagers on your mobile device from anywhere in Nevada.
Choose Sportsbook
Choosing a sportsbook might be as simple as reading online reviews or asking friends for recommendations. Since Nevada requires in-person registration, it’d also be wise to make sure you pick a sportsbook that is close by. Nevada has 14 different online sportsbooks to choose from and all that competition is great news for customers.
Begin the registration process
Next you can start the registration process from home. Technically you can skip ahead to step #3, but you’ll need to complete this step eventually anyways so why not do it now? To start the registration process, simply go to the website of the sportsbook app you’ve chosen and click the button that says “Sign Up” or “Get Started” which is often located in the upper right corner of the website. After clicking that button, provide your personal information (Name, address, phone number, email address, last four digits of your social security number, etc.).
Visit Your sportsbook
Once you’ve completed sharing your personal information with your chosen sportsbook, you’ll need to visit the sportsbook in person with valid government-issued identification like a driver’s license. Because of state laws, there are no exceptions to this rule. Once inside the sportsbook you can complete registration with a staff member (or in some cases with a kiosk). While in the sportsbook, you can inquire about your sportsbook’s withdrawal process (see step #8).
Download your sportsbook app
Most sportsbooks offer an online version and a mobile app to use on your phone. Download your sportsbook’s mobile application. Sportsbook staff members will likely direct you to do this in-person if you’ve not already done so.
Deposit
Of course you’ll need money in your account if you wish to place wagers. You can deposit funds in person at the sportsbook or via your new application.
Choose you bet and bet size
There are a variety of wagering options within each sportsbook. If you’re just getting started, moneylines are the most straight-forward bet and allow bettors to wager on who will win an event. Point spreads, over/unders, parlays, player props and futures bets are also popular choices.
Place a wager
Every sportsbook runs independently from each other so they each may offer different point spreads or odds on the same wager. Before placing your wager, try shopping around with other apps to get the best price. Once you’ve found odds you like, type in your wager amount and submit your wager. If your wager wins, your winnings and your original bet will be deposited back into your account shortly after the event you bet on finishes.
Withdraw funds
Hopefully you make it to this step because that means you won your bets. Each online sportsbook has different methods and processes for cashing out money. If you’re in Las Vegas and just created an app for the first time, it’s possible there may be delays related to removing your funds, so make sure you understand your sportsbooks expectations prior to your final day in town.
Home Field Advantage
Not too long ago, professional sports franchises didn’t want to be associated with the gambling stigma that comes with hosting a team in Las Vegas. Since 2017, Sin City has added franchises from the NFL, NHL, and WNBA and suddenly folks in Nevada have home teams to root for. Las Vegas has room for another franchise as the Oakland Athletics franchise is set to call Las Vegas home in 2028.
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USA Betting News
Responsible Gaming Message From Nevada
The Nevada Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) website offers a variety of resources including information about professional treatment, the consequences of problem gambling, and a link to a quiz to help assess gambling problems. Anyone in Las Vegas can call 1-800-GAMBLER or text 800-GAM for 24-hour assistance. Carson City (775-882-8222), Reno (775-356-8070), and southern Nevada (702-529-0202) all have their own Gamblers Anonymous
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