Online Poker Legal In Nevada
In terms of specifics, legal online poker in Nevada is based on the following foundations - You must: Be 21 or over to play online poker Nevada. Be located within the state to use the poker app and any other legal card rooms online. This is the bill that made online poker and other forms of online gambling legal for Nevada residents. The bill also defined who is allowed to play at their regulated online poker rooms, who may or may not be granted licenses to operate online gambling websites, and other important matters needed to properly regulate the industry. The passing of Assembly Bill 114 back in 2013 made online poker legal in Nevada, and it has only grown in popularity since launching. As a result, it's clear that hundreds of thousands of players in Nevada have been playing online poker since the passing of the bill, exactly as the market predicted. Dec 28, 2020 It is legal to play online poker on state-licensed and regulated sites in Nevada. However, the sites and players must adhere to specific online poker regulations set by the Nevada Gaming Commission. The Nevada state law permits casinos in all part of the state but currently the law does not regulate online casinos. Online Poker is allowed but there is at the moment no Nevada licensed online casino. Of course, that does not mean that Nevada residents cannot play on the web.
Online poker is legal in Nevada and so are other forms of gambling as Las Vegas is the gambling capital of the world.
When Nevada was first founded, it consisted of a series of mining towns wherein gabling was prevalent. When Nevada became a state in 1864, its first legislature tried to legalize gambling but were not successful. Throughout the late 1800s, a number of politicians tried to take a stand against games of chance, but all failed. But in 1909, Nevada did follow other states in an anti-gambling trend and outlawed all gambling. While some social games and small-change machines prevailed, most gambling establishments were shut down temporarily.
The trend reversed in 1919 when card rooms became legal and licensed. Both legal and illegal games became abundant again in Reno, and all of the changes led to a 1931 bill that legalized nearly all card games and betting. Licenses began to be issued to card rooms, bingo clubs, and small casinos, both in Las Vegas and in Reno. More people came to Las Vegas to build casinos, which increased in size and scope through the 1900s to include more games, hotel accommodations, and restaurants.
In 1955, the Nevada Gaming Control Board was created to protect its growing gaming economy from any potential overreach by the US federal government. The 1959 Gaming Control Act then established the Nevada Gaming Commission to control licensing.
Online poker became legal in Nevada in 2013, and the state soon after partnered with Delaware to share online poker player pools to increase liquidity. In 2017, Nevada also partnered with New Jersey, with a shared player base to launch sometime in 2018.
Nearly every type of gambling is legal in Nevada, including sports betting. Native American casinos are also permitted in the state, but only a handful of tribes have entered into compacts to offer gambling on their reservations. It seems that only the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe and Moapa Band of Paiutes run gambling establishments under compacts with the state.
Latest Developments Regarding Online Poker in Nevada
Online Poker Legal Issues
The timeline of legal and regulated online poker in Nevada thus far is as follows:
- 2013, February 21: Nevada legislature passed and Governor Sandoval signed Assembly Bill 114.
- 2013, April 30: Station Casinos launched Ultimate Poker.
- 2013, September 19: Caesars launched WSOP.com.
- 2014, February 19: South Point launches Real Gaming.
- 2014, February 25: Nevada signed an online poker compact with Delaware.
- 2014, November 14: Ultimate Poker closed.
- 2017, October 13: Nevada and Delaware signed an online poker compact with New Jersey.
The 2014 online poker compact mentioned above was signed by Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval and Delaware Governor Jack Markell. The intention of the Multi-State Poker Network agreement was to create more revenue for both states, as players could compete on the same poker network, creating larger cash games and tournaments and, thus, drawing more players to the sites.
The shared poker network officially launched on March 25, 2015. The 888poker platform and WSOP operator were used, as both were the only options available in both states.
More than three years later, in October 2017, Nevada and Delaware signed a new agreement with New Jersey. Governor Sandoval represented New Jersey at the signing, alongside Delaware Governor John Carney and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. The compact was set up to launch online poker with a tri-state-combined player pool, which will initially take place with 888poker and WSOP again, as it is the only internet poker operator/platform combination offered in all three states. The network is expected to go live sometime in 2018.
The three-state partnership will also include online casino progressive jackpots. This has not yet been done in the US market because Nevada has yet to include online slots in its legal interactive gaming framework. However, New Jersey and Delaware will eventually coordinate their sites – also via WSOP and 888poker – to share progressives and enable larger winnings.
Since Pennsylvania also legalized online poker in 2017, it is expected that its games will launch in 2018. At some point in 2018 or 2019, Nevada, Delaware, and New Jersey are expected to discuss expanding the multi-state poker sharing agreement to include Pennsylvania, when the latter is prepared to do so.
Nevada legislators have yet to undertake serious discussions regarding any expansion of its internet gaming regulations. With only one site operational in the state, the market is not nearly as lucrative as many analysts predicted it could be. However, there are no indications that legislators are ready to open the market to offer licenses to sites currently excluded by the suitability clause or to allow online casino games to operate for real money. Only free-play sites exist for some casinos as of the beginning of 2018.
Nevada Laws Pertinent to Online Poker
Assembly Bill 114 was the bill that allowed Nevada to become the first state to legalize online poker in the United States. The state legislature passed the law on February 21, 2013, after which Governor Brian Sandoval signed it into law.
Title 41 of the Nevada Statutes addresses gaming, horse racing, and sporting events. Chapter 463 of that title details all laws surrounding the licensing and control of gaming.
According to the statute, interactive gaming is defined as
“the conduct of gambling games through the use of communications technology that allows a person, utilizing money, checks, electronic checks, electronic transfers of money, credit cards, debit cards or any other instrumentality, to transmit to a computer information to assist in the placing of a bet or wager and corresponding information related to the display of the game, game outcomes or other similar information. The term includes, without limitation, internet poker.”
It goes on to state that it does not include operating a race book or sports pool.
In that definition, communications technology is defined as
“any method used and the components employed by an establishment to facilitate the transmission of information, including, without limitation, transmission and reception by systems based on wire, cable, radio, microwave, light, optics or computer data networks, including, without limitation, the internet and intranets.”
Interactive gaming facility is defined as
“any internet website, or similar communications facility in which transmissions may cross any state’s boundaries, through which any person operates interactive gaming through the use of communications technology.”
Section 745 starts the interactive gaming details, starting with findings and declarations:
- “The State of Nevada leads the nation in gaming regulation and enforcement, such that the State of Nevada is uniquely positioned to develop an effective and comprehensive regulatory structure related to interactive gaming.”
- “A comprehensive regulatory structure, coupled with strict licensing standards, will ensure the protection of consumers, including minors and vulnerable persons, prevent fraud, guard against underage and problem gambling, avoid unauthorized use by persons located in jurisdictions that do not authorize interactive gaming and aid in law enforcement efforts.”
- “To provide for licensed and regulated interactive gaming, the State of Nevada must develop the necessary structure for licensure, regulation and enforcement.”
Section 747 describes the governor’s authorization to enter into agreements with other governments for interactive gaming. For online poker, this means shared liquidity that allows operators in multiple states to combine their player pools for larger fields in cash games and tournaments. Requirements for this to happen include:
- Potential arrangement for revenue sharing by Nevada and its government
- Regulations must handle entities and natural persons, technical standards, resolution of disputes, bankroll requirements, enforcement, account, and record maintenance
- Each government signs agreement to prohibit operators, service providers, manufacturers, and distributors from engaging in any unlicensed activities
The law goes on to detail the licensing requirements for operators, manufactures, affiliates, and service providers. There are various requirements for restricted and non-restricted licenses for resort hotels and gaming establishments, all within the state of Nevada.
The suitability clause, which pertains to companies that operated in the United States after the Unlawful Internet Gaming Act of 2006 was enacted (December 31, 2006), is complicated. Some operators may be found suitable for an interactive gaming license in Nevada within five years of February 21, 2013, but they must submit to the jurisdiction of the US and each state in which they operated and waive any statutes of limitation or other prosecution preclusions. The Nevada Gaming Commission may allow a hearing for those that wish to plead a case.
How Much Does A License Cost in Nevada?
The initial licensing fee for manufacturers is set at $125,000, and renewals are $25,000 for one-year time periods. The initial fee for establishments is $500,000, and three companies paid that amount – Ultimate Gaming (Station Casinos), Real Gaming (South Point), and World Series of Poker (Caesars). Ultimate Gaming eventually stopped all operations, however, and Real Gaming never garnered enough traffic to become a viable online poker site. WSOP is the only operator still standing and continues to operate. These licenses can be renewed for one-year periods for $250,000. These fees can be raised to $1 million for initial licenses and $500,000 for renewals if the Commission and Board decide it is necessary. They can also be reduced to $150,000 and $75,000, respectively.
Pursuant to the Nevada Gaming Control Act, the Gaming Control Board and Gaming Commission devised a framework per the law for interactive gaming, which is posted on their official website.
As of 2018, online gaming operators are not allowed to accept wagers on any game except poker and its derivatives, all of which have been approved by the Board.
Disclaimer: This is not written by an attorney and is not or should not be construed as legal advice. Please consult an attorney for help interpreting these laws as they pertain to any given situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Can I play on poker sites besides WSOP.com?
Answer: Online poker is legal in Nevada, but only as it pertains to WSOP.com as a licensed and regulated site. There is no indication that any other companies are preparing to apply for licenses, and sites like PokerStars are not eligible to apply. Other sites, some that we recommend for US players, do include Nevada players and allow them to create accounts and play online poker. Sites like BetOnline and Intertops do provide alternatives for players in a restricted state like Nevada.
Question: Will WSOP ban me if I play on non-Nevada sites as well?
Answer: It is unlikely. WSOP site executives are not likely to monitor other sites for players, and Nevada law enforcement are not apt to do so, either. It is possible that Nevada gaming authorities will pursue legal action to keep unlicensed sites from doing business with Nevada residents, but if this happens, players will not be targeted, and sites will give players ample time to withdraw funds before leaving the state’s market.
Question: Why don’t more sites launch online poker in Nevada?
Answer: That is something only poker operators themselves can answer. It may be difficult to partner with casino operations in Nevada, but it is also not as lucrative to do so without also being able to offer online casino games. And with WSOP being the sole offering in the market for several years, any other site will have an uphill battle in order to be competitive. It is also unclear how much the market is worth because Nevada does not release revenue numbers for the online poker industry.
Nevada Gaming Resources
Nevada is the only state where casinos may be built on land with virtually no restrictions. Nevada casinos may offer almost any table game or slot machine. There are over 70 poker rooms in Nevada. California is the only state that has more poker rooms.
There is no bet limit in Nevada. Poker rooms may spread any game in cash game format as long as there are enough players. There is a list of approved games for tournaments, though all common games are on this list.
Is Online Poker Legal in Nevada?
Online poker is legal in Nevada. It was the first state to approve online poker and the first state where it went live. Ultimate Poker, a subsidiary of Station Casinos, launched its real money online poker room on April 30, 2013. The poker room is available to any player that is located within Nevada at the time of play. WSOP launched in September 2013 and quickly became the largest Nevada online poker site. Real Gaming went live in February 2014. It is a subsidiary of South Point. It is still in testing and offers few games at this time.
Poker is not the only online game legalized in Nevada, online and mobile sports betting is also legal.
Legal Poker Options Available
Ultimate Poker was the first poker site regulated in Nevada. Players may make a deposit at any Station Casinos cage. Credit cards and bank transfers are also accepted. Players may make a deposit before traveling to Las Vegas so that they may play immediately upon arrival. New players receive a 100% up to $500 first deposit bonus. The bonus clears at a rate of $50 for every $200 in rake paid.
Ultimate Poker’s software is very simple. Waitlists, notes and hand histories do not exist. Texas Hold’em, Omaha and Omaha High/Low are available. There are no immediate plans for other games.
WSOP offers new players a 100% up to $400 first deposit bonus. It releases in $10 increments for every $50 in rake paid. Players may choose from Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha High/Low, Seven Card Stud and Seven Card Stud High/Low. Players may deposit using credit cards, bank transfer or Neteller. WSOP spreads many satellites to its World Series of Poker events at Rio.
Real Gaming only offers No Limit Texas Hold’em. It does not offer a first deposit bonus. Its only promotion is 1% rake tables, which is the equivalent to receiving 80% rakeback at other sites that typically charge 5% rake.
All Nevada sites require a cell phone to play. The cell phone reports the location of the player to a verification service. Players within one mile of the Nevada border are unable to play. Some cell phone providers do not participate in the verification, especially small out-of-state companies. Players should make sure their cell phone provider is accepted by the poker site. If they are not, a player will need to buy a temporary phone in Nevada through a major provider to play.
Where Can You Play Live Poker in Nevada?
There are over 70 poker rooms in Nevada. Las Vegas has about three-quarters of these poker rooms. The remaining rooms are located in Reno, Primm, Carson City, Pahrump, Mesquite, Laughlin and West Wendover. There are some very small poker rooms in other cities. Our partner site at PlayingPokerLive.com has some extensive listings on the most popular Las Vegas poker rooms as well.
Largest Las Vegas Poker Rooms
Venetian – The Venetian is the largest poker room in Las Vegas. It offers players 59 tables and that does not include the additional tables added at Palazzo during the Deep Stack Extravaganza tournaments. Players will find the widest variety of poker in the world at Venetian. In addition to the usual Texas Hold’em games, Pot Limit Omaha, Fixed Limit Omaha High/Low, mixed games and Open Face Chinese are often found. There are also a number of large tournaments offered daily. Venetian will spread any game if there are enough players.
Bellagio – There are 39 tables in Bellagio’s poker room. A wide variety of games may be found there. No Limit and Fixed Limit Hold’em is common, but players can also find high limit games of Seven Card Stud and Omaha High/Low. Bobby’s Room, named after Bobby Baldwin, offers high limit games with a minimum buyin of $20,000. Bellagio spreads one daily tournament.
Wynn – The Wynn poker room spreads 26 tables. Most games are No Limit Texas Hold’em. There is also one daily tournament. A 4.8 Limit Hold’em game may also be found during peak hours.
Aria – Aria is a 24-table poker room that is even bigger during peak season. No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha are the two most common games found at Aria. Ivey’s Room, named after Phil Ivey, is the high limit area where players may find nosebleed games such as 25/50 No Limit Texas Hold’em, 200/400 Fixed Limit and mixed games. Some lower limit mixed games are also offered. Aria has two daily tournaments.
Red Rock – Red Rock is a 22-table poker room located in the Summerlin suburb of Las Vegas. Fixed Limit and No Limit Texas Hold’em are the most available games. Omaha High/Low may also be found. Red Rock is by far the most popular off-strip Las Vegas poker room.
Poker Rooms Outside Las Vegas
Lake Tahoe – Harvey’s, Hyatt Regency, Lakeside Inn and Montbleu all have poker rooms on the north and south ends of Lake Tahoe. Each casino offers low limit Texas Hold’em and low buyin tournaments.
Online Poker Legal
Laughlin – Laughlin is located on the southern tip of Nevada. There are four poker rooms located in Laughlin. They are Colorado Belle, Golden Nugget, Harrah’s and Riverside Casino.
Mesquite – Mesquite is located just across the state line from Arizona and Utah on I-15. There is only one poker room in Mesquite. Eureka is a five-table poker room that spread mostly low limit Texas Hold’em.
Pahrump Nugget – The Pahrump Nugget is the only poker room in Pahrump. It offers players four tables and spreads mostly low limit Texas Hold’em.
Reno – Reno is the second largest city in Nevada. There are ten poker rooms located in Reno. The Peppermill is the largest with 19 tables. Atlantis offers players 11 tables.