Online Betting Nevada
- Online Betting In Vegas
- Online Betting Apps In Nevada
- Online Horse Betting In Nevada
- Online Sportsbooks Nevada
- Best Online Sports Betting Nevada
- Online Betting In Nevada
This allows states other than Nevada to legalize and regulate single-game sports betting. The state legalizes online poker within Nevada, allowing individuals within the state to play poker online. Nevada also joins a compact with Delaware and New Jersey, allowing players in all three to play against anybody located in the other two. William Hill Nevada Sports Betting online. Sign up for William Hill Sportsbook in NV - America's #1 Sportsbook operator. Bet online on basketball, football, more.
All over the world, thanks to its land-based casinos, Nevada is well-known as the most popular gambling oasis. However, even if Nevada online sports betting is legal, it’s only restricted to mobile applications.
For decades, Nevada sports betting was the only form of legal wagering in the country. Following the 1992 passage of PASPA legislation, Nevada sportsbooks had an effective monopoly in US sports gambling.
With PASPA now struck down, Nevada betting sites are eyeing untapped new markets in the nation. Decades of experience give NV sports betting sites a sizable advantage over would-be competitors. Many of the best-known gambling brands on Earth are based in the state.
In the past couple of decades, Nevada online sports betting has taken a firm hold on the Nevada wagering scene. The internet changed the game forever, with Nevada sports betting apps and online bookmakers dominating the market. Up next, we’ll take a look at the top Nevada sportsbooks in the market.
Contents
Best Nevada Online Sports Betting Sites
Updated on :
| Review | NV Sportsbook | Welcome Offer | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|
Visit Review | BetMGM | Risk-Free Bet up to $500 Bonus Code: VIBONUS600 T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in CO/IN/NJ/NV/WV |
Top Online Sportsbooks in Nevada
As we have already said, Nevada Online Sports Betting is restricted to mobile applications. It means that within the state of NV, you can’t place a bet over a desktop or mobile site. You must have a Nevada sports betting application, and then you’ll be all set to start placing bets.
Fortunately, most of the US top sports betting sites provide betting app for their users. So if you are searching for leading wagering applications, we highly suggest you check out the following ones:
- BetMGM
- William Hill
- Golden Nugget
- Caesars Sportsbook
- WynnBet
The most significant advantage of sports betting app is that you can place a bet and withdraw any potential winnings without even leaving your home. With the newest technological developments, gone are the days you’d have to go all the way to the retail sportsbook to place a bet.
Simply by using a sports betting app, people can usually register and access all the available services of the given operator. However, that’s not quite the case when it comes to Nevada.
You can use the mobile app just like in any other state where online betting is legalized and regulated, but you can’t register via the app. To open a new account, you must visit the retail sportsbook or land-based casino where the sportsbook is based. Once you register and get your login credentials, you’ll be able to sign in on your Nevada online sports betting app.
The following bookmakers are the most outstanding operators in the state. All of them have their own licensed Nevada sports betting apps, for added convenience.
BetMGM
MGM is one of the world’s most famous entertainment companies. Managing multiple properties across the globe, MGM has grown into an internationally-recognized brand. In recent years, the operator unveiled BetMGM, its official sportsbook app.
BetMGM is one of the most popular Nevada sports betting apps available today. The BetMGM website is also among the best Nevada betting sites on the market. The sportsbook, licensed through the MGM Grand casino & sportsbook, has millions of clients across several US states.
As with other Nevada betting sites, you can only place wagers through the app itself. Luckily, you don’t need to visit the physical casino in order to register. Players can sign up using the app, which requires a SSN and other personal information.
You’ll also have to register for the M life rewards program. This ID will be your login for the BetMGM app. Once you’re in, the app is quite powerful. BetMGM boasts multiple convenient funding methods and a broad range of sports to wager on.
Popular betting markets are available, such as moneyline, over/under, or spread betting. Using the app is quite simple and intuitive. It features a sleek, polished design, with an approachable layout and helpful menus.
Caesars Sports
The Caesars Palace Sportsbook is one of the most prominent NV sports betting operators. Founded by Circus Circus owner Jay Sarno in 1966, Caesars Palace is part of Vegas history. Today, the casino operates one of the country’s most luxurious sportsbooks.
You can visit the Caesars Palace Sportsbook and wager on horse racing, national or international sports. It’s a huge facility, packed with enormous LED displays, a restaurant, and a bar. It’s a premier destination for NV sports betting.
The Caesars Sports app allows customers to place sports bets from anywhere in the state. By betting through the app, players can accrue comps, which can be redeemed at various Caesars-affiliated properties.
The app is available for Android and iOS mobile devices. In order to install the NV sports betting app, you’ll need to visit the physical sportsbook first. Afterwards, you can gamble anywhere in the state. You can fund your Nevada sports betting apps account using a Caesars Entertainment Play+ card.
Using Caesars Sports, players betting in Nevada can wager on the same sports and races available in the brick-and-mortar sportsbook. The app also comes in handy when you visit the sportsbook. You can use it to book a room in the hotel, and even order a meal.
William Hill
William Hill is one of the few Nevada sportsbooks that actually predate Las Vegas itself. Established in London in 1934, William Hill joined the ranks of Nevada betting sites in 2012. Since then, it’s partnered with multiple American casinos and bookmakers.
As with many other Nevada sports betting apps, you can sign up online, but must activate your mobile app in person. You can find special kiosks for just this purpose at several affiliated casinos and sportsbooks in the state. Once your activation is complete, you may start using the app.
There are both Android and iOS versions available through the William Hill NV website. After the app is installed on your device, follow the video instructions on the website. As a final step, you’ll have to visit one of the William Hill Nevada sportsbooks to register the mobile account.
It’s a cumbersome process, but the operator more than makes up for it with quality. The WH app benefits from the bookmaker’s many years of online and mobile experience. It’s a smooth interface with a colorful design, packed with countless betting options.
William Hill offers markets across dozens of sports and leagues. You can place all kinds of traditional and exotic wagers, parlays, prop bets, and specials. It also features highly competitive betting odds across the board.
Wynn Sports
Wynn Sports is the Nevada sportsbooks arm of the Wynn Las Vegas, a vast resort and casino on the Strip. Erected on the site of the former Desert Inn Hotel, the Wynn opened its doors in 2005. The resort features a large sportsbook area packed with LED displays and comfy seating.
Much like with other Nevada sports betting apps, you need to visit the Wynn in person in order to register your account. After registration, you can use the app for betting in Nevada anywhere within the state. The app is available for iOS and Android mobile devices.
For players on the go, Wynn operates one of the most popular Nevada betting apps in the city. The Wynn Sports app packs hot gambling action across a range of sports and leagues. The app itself features a dark color scheme and a very intuitive layout.
Finding your favorite sports and betting markets is effortless. Making a wager is quite simple. All you need to do is find events that interest you, pick a market, and tap on a betting line. You can fine-tune your wager using an interactive betting slip. It also lets you build your own parlays, round robins, and teasers.
How to place a Sports Bet in Nevada
Betting in Nevada is a relatively straightforward process. Generally speaking, players have two options to wager in the state. First, you can visit physical Nevada sportsbooks to make your wagers. If you happen to be in Vegas, visiting local bookmakers is a memorable experience.
When you need to gamble on the go, though, Nevada sports betting apps are the best solution. They offer a simple, legal, and reliable way to place your wagers from anywhere in the state. NV sports betting fans in Henderson, Reno, Carson City and more can use the apps freely.
Next up, we’ll briefly review the legal history and current status of Nevada sports betting.
Nevada Betting Laws
The legal history of betting in Nevada is long and storied. In the 19th century, gambling was legal in the state. That changed in 1909, when legislature passed an anti-gambling law. At the time, Nevada sportsbooks were the only legal bookies in the nation.
By 1931, the Great Depression was wreaking havoc on state budgets all over the United States. In a desperate bid to increase revenue, the state backtracked on the 1909 law, legalizing gambling once more. Nevada sports betting would become legal in 1949.
For several decades, the state was the only safe haven for gamblers in the US. This largely drove the development of Las Vegas in the 60s. In 1977, New Jersey legalized gambling in Atlantic City, finally creating some competition.
With the passage of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, future sports betting legalization was barred. NV and NJ sports betting legislation, decades older than the act, remained unaffected. This gave NV and NJ a monopoly of sorts on sports betting, for a while.
As time went by, more states warmed up to the idea of gambling. Parimutuel (horse) wagering was legalized in a number of states over the years. Eventually, PASPA was struck down, and the sports betting industry thrived. Nevada sports betting apps started crossing over into newly-legal markets.
Step-by-step process for Nevada online sports betting
Nevada online sports betting has changed the face of gambling in the state. Conveniently available wherever you are in NV, online apps let you take your bookie on the go. However, initial setup and registration can be somewhat vexing for new players.
Follow the steps below to start your Nevada online sports betting experience on the right foot:
- Select an operator from the list of Nevada betting sites.
- Visit the official website on your mobile device.
- Complete the mobile sign-up process. You’ll have to provide your personal information, including part of your SSN.
- Visit one of the physical Nevada sportsbooks affiliated with your chosen operator.
- Activate your mobile account. You can use a kiosk or ask a staff member for help.
- Download the relevant Nevada sports betting apps. If you’re interested in both casino and sports betting, you may need to download more than one app.
- At this point, you may need to register your mobile app at the physical sportsbook.
- Log into your account.
- Make a deposit to fund your account. You can add funds at kiosks or through prepaid cards.
- Explore the sports betting markets available.
- Pick a line and tap on it. Enter your stake, and place your bet!
Not all Nevada betting sites follow the same procedure, so your mileage may vary. A few may skip one or two of these steps, or change the order around a bit. They should hold more or less true across the vast majority of Nevada sports betting apps, though.
Nevada Online Sports Betting: Events and Betting Markets
There’s a ton of Nevada sports betting action out there. The state is home to many popular sporting events. In addition to that, NV sports betting markets are among the richest and most diverse in the nation.
Up next, we’ll review some of the most popular events in Nevada sports betting.
Popular Nevada Events
- Wrangler National Finals Rodeo: This event is a yearly showcase for the top 15 money-winners in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. It's held in the University of Nevada Las Vegas' Thomas & Mack Center.
- NCAA Las Vegas Bowl: The Las Vegas Bowl is a NCAA-sanctioned Division I college football bowl game. It has ties to the Pac-12, SEC, and Big Ten conferences.
- Pennzoil 400: The Pennzoil 400 (sponsored by Jiffy Lube) is the first of Nevada’s NASCAR Cup Series races. It’s been held every year since 1998. Interestingly, it’s the only race where winners don’t get trophies, but championship belts instead.
- South Point 400: The South Point 400 is a NASCAR Cup Series. It’s held every year in Nevada, at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It’s the fourth race in the Cup Series playoffs season, and a major event for betting in Nevada.
- UFC Apex: The Ultimate Fighting Championship has deep ties to Las Vegas. UFC Apex isn’t a competition per se, but rather, the site of countless UFC events, tournaments, and fight nights. There are live events at UFC Apex every other week, on average.
Common Types of Bets
When betting in Nevada, there are many different kinds of wagers you can place. Nevada betting sites offer a huge selection of betting markets for you to explore. Below, we’ll explain some of the most popular Nevada sports betting markets.
- Win bets: A win bet, also known as a moneyline bet, is the simplest type of wager there is. You pick a team or participant and back them to win.
- Over/Under Bets: Also known as “totals”. In this wager, players select whether a score will be above or below a certain number. The scores can be final or partial, total or team-specific.
- Point Spreads: Very popular types of wager in Nevada online sports betting. First, bookies pick a “spread,” a positive or negative score difference between the two teams. Favored teams get positive spreads, while underdogs get negative spreads. Players bet on whether a team will beat the spread.
- Handicap Bets: A handicap bet is very similar to a point spread wager. The main difference is that spreads are specifically calculated to balance selections with a perceived disparity in ability. Handicaps instead provide additional options for players, with different odds & payouts.
- Outright Bets: Outright markets, also known as futures betting, allow you to wager on the winner of major events. For example, you can bet on the winner of the next Super Bowl or World Series.
- Prop Bets: Proposition bets, also known as 'props' or 'specials', cover almost anything unrelated to the final outcome of the game. Will a certain player score a goal? Which team will win the coin toss? Who will be winning at halftime? These are the types of markets that prop bets cover.
- Parlays: A parlay lets you combine selections across different events into a single wager. They offer exposure to higher odds, but all your selections need to win.
Daily Fantasy Sports in Nevada
Daily fantasy sports have taken the US by storm in recent years. Existing in a gray area between chance and skill, DFS managed to penetrate many markets where sports gambling was illegal. Ironically, though, NV sports betting legislation has been an issue for DFS sites.
State legislators have found daily fantasy sports to fit NV’s definition of gambling. Therefore, operators in the space would need a costly gambling license, and all the paperwork and oversight it entails. Both FanDuel and DraftKings have so far shied away from this process.
In 2020, DraftKings opened up its first office in the state. The company still doesn’t provide its services to Nevada-based customers, though. It’s a call center operation, processing a range of IT incidents, customer experience issues, and fraud claims.
At the moment, both companies are lobbying the state to pass new Nevada sports betting laws specific to DFS. This would include a special DFS license that’s separate from general NV sports betting licenses. FanDuel and DraftKings’ lobbying efforts are yet to bear any fruits.
| Rank | Daily Fantasy Sports | Welcome Offer | Claim Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Monkey Knife Fight Visit Review | 100% Match up to $50 - Code: BONUSMAX T&C’s Apply, 21+ | |
| 2. | DraftKings DFS Visit Review | Deposit Bonus up to $500 T&C’s Apply, 21+ |
Betting on pro sports teams in Nevada
If you’re a fan of professional sports leagues, there are plenty of outfits to root for in the state. Local teams are always popular with Nevada sports betting fans. In fact, Nevada online sports betting operators often offer special promotions or boosted odds for local teams.
NFL betting in Nevada
NV sports betting fans had to wait decades to back a local team in NFL betting. The state was home to several attempts at competing with the NFL, though.
They included the Continental Football League, a Canadian Football League expansion, and the Arena Football League. Now, the state boasts its first NFL team.
Las Vegas Raiders betting
The Raiders are a storied team in the NFL, originating in Oakland back in 1960. After 22 years in Oakland, the Raiders relocated to Los Angeles. They played in Memorial Coliseum until 1994. The next year, the Raiders returned to Oakland, finally moving to Las Vegas in January 2020.
The Las Vegas Raiders compete in the NFL's AFC West division. Their homefield is Allegiant Stadium, a domed stadium in Paradise, Nevada. Team headquarters are located in Henderson.
In the Las Vegas Raiders' very first game, the team defeated the Carolina Panthers. Their first home game against the New Orleans Saints also went their way, a little over a week later. Nevada online sports betting fans were quick to embrace the team.
NBA betting in Nevada
Nevada sports betting fans who follow the NBA have long been out of luck when it comes to local teams. The state has never been home to a single NBA franchise, despite the league’s popularity with Nevada betting sites.
Professional basketball fans do have a couple of options, though. The state has a top-ranked WNBA team, owned by MGM Resorts.
Las Vegas Aces betting
The Aces were founded as the Utah Starzz ahead of the WNBA's 1997 inaugural season. They moved to San Antonio in 2003, becoming the Silver Stars (and then the Stars). By 2018, the team made its final move to Las Vegas, becoming the Aces. In Las Vegas, the team has enjoyed considerable success.
They made the playoffs in two out of three seasons since 2018. In 2019, they won the Western Conference and lost the WNBA finals to the Washington Mystics. In 2020, they repeated their conference win and finals loss, this time against the Seattle Storm. In a few years, Bill Laimbeer’s squad has made considerable inroads with Nevada sports betting fans.
NHL betting in Nevada
For a long time, Nevada sports betting fans had to settle for backing local minor league hockey squads. Recently, though, local NHL fans saw the first professional team founded in the state: the Vegas Golden Knights.
Vegas Golden Knights betting
The Vegas Golden Knights are a professional ice hockey team, playing in the NHL's Pacific Division. Their home field is the T-Mobile Arena, right on the Vegas Strip. They made their debut in the 2017-2018 season as an expansion team.
Usually, expansion teams have a tough time playing in competitive leagues. The Golden Knights have been quite the exception though, reaching the Stanley Cup Finals in their first season.
They've won two division championships and a conference championship since then. The team is a local favorite on many Nevada sports betting apps.
MLS betting in Nevada
,p>Soccer may be the world’s most popular sport, but Nevada sports betting fans have no local MLS teams to back. However, the state does have two USLC teams: the Las Vegas Lights FC, and Reno 1868 FC.Las Vegas Lights betting
The Las Vegas Lights are a professional soccer team playing in the USLC. Founded in 2017, the team plays in Cashman Field. They made the playoffs in the 2019 season, finishing 13th overall. As a lower profile team, they’re often not covered by Nevada betting sites.
Other Nevada teams to bet on
Beyond professional sports, Nevada sports betting fans have a few local collegiate teams to back. They include both NCAAF and NCAAB teams.
Betting on College Football in Nevada
UNLV Rebels
The UNLV Rebels represent the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in the NCAA’s Division I Bowl Subdivision (Mountain West Conference). Dating back to 1968, the program currently shares Allegiant Stadium with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Nevada Wolf Pack
The Nevada Wolf Pack represent the University of Nevada, Reno. Like their long-time rivals, the Rebels, the team plays in the NCAA’s Mountain West Conference. The team was founded in 1896, and currently play in Mackay Stadium.
Betting on College Basketball in Nevada
UNLV Runnin' Rebels
The Runnin’ Rebels represent UNLV in men’s basketball, playing in the NCAA’s Mountain West Conference. It’s one of the most prestigious collegiate basketball programs in the US, and a fan-favorite with Nevada sports betting apps.
Nevada Wolf Pack
The Wolf Pack is also the name of the University of Nevada, Reno’s men’s basketball team. Playing in the Mountain West Conference, the team has won five championships since 1913. Their rivals are the Runnin’ Rebels, and a favorite with Reno, NV sports betting fans.
FAQ Nevada Online Sports Betting
Below, we’ll tackle common questions from players about Nevada betting sites, physical Nevada sportsbooks, and Nevada online sports betting in general.
Where can I bet on sports in Nevada?
Legal betting in Nevada is available through several providers. You can visit physical Nevada sportsbooks all over the state, with the most luxurious located along the Strip. In addition, Nevada betting sites offer mobile apps for wagering. You’ll need to activate Nevada sports betting apps in person at local sportsbooks to play, though.
Is sports betting legal in Nevada?
Sports betting in Nevada has been fully legal since 1949, and it is regulated by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. All NV sports betting sites need to be licensed and registered with the NGCB. The board enforces a strict oversight of all Nevada sportsbooks, ensuring transparency and fairness in all gambling activities.
What do I need to register at an online betting site in Nevada?
Registering with Nevada online sports betting sites is a bit of a hassle, but definitely worth it. NV sports betting sites are all affiliated with land-based Nevada sportsbooks. Most are located within the casinos, though a few are standalone betting houses.
To register, you’ll have to complete a mobile sign up form and visit a NV sports betting establishment in person. You’ll have to provide your name, address, SSN, and other personal details.
After your account is activated, you can visit Nevada betting sites and download their apps. Registering Nevada sports betting apps always requires visiting a physical sportsbook, at least the first time does. After your account is activated and your app is registered, your Nevada online sports betting can begin.
Is it safe to deposit money at sports betting sites in Nevada?
Absolutely! Nevada betting sites are licensed and regulated entities. The state’s gambling oversight agency ensures that all Nevada online sports betting operators follow proper safety protocols. They include secure servers, SSL/TLS technology, encrypted connections, and more.
Nevada sports betting apps are similarly safe. Do make sure you only install apps downloaded from official NV sports betting sites. Downloading apps from third parties can be risky, as there’s no guarantee they haven’t been tampered with. Your funds may be in danger in this case.
Can I bet online on my phone in Nevada?
Indeed, you can. Nevada sports betting apps are the main channel for web-based sports wagering in the state. Unlike online sportsbooks in other states, Nevada sports betting sites don’t directly provide gambling action on the browser. Instead, players need to download and register a licensed app.
Are Daily Fantasy Sports legal in Nevada?
Yes and no. Technically, daily fantasy sports are legal in the state, regulated by Nevada sports betting legislation. However, US DFS operators have so far resisted this classification under Nevada sports betting state law. To avoid having to register as gambling operators, companies have so far opted out of the legal NV market.
Nevada Casinos
There are countless casinos throughout the state, many of which are among the most famous in the world. Nevada sports betting takes place primarily through the license of established casino operators.
Each of the largest casinos in the Las Vegas Strip offers Nevada sports betting action around the clock. Comfortable lounge areas, large LED screens and surround sound systems make them a gambler’s paradise.
Some of the largest casinos offering Nevada sports betting include the following:
- Wynn/Encore
- Mandalay Bay
- MGM Grand
- Santa Fe Station
- Sunset Station
- Bellagio
That’s just the tip of the iceberg, though. According to the NGCB, more than 400 casinos are open for business in the state as of 2020. The vast majority of them offer Nevada sports betting markets for a range of sports.
Online Betting In Vegas
Final Thoughts on Nevada Online Sports Betting
As you can see in our article, for the time being, there’s only one possible way to enjoy Nevada online sports betting - through betting applications. These apps offer you all you can find at other legal and regulated top sports betting sites all across the USA: great range of available sports and betting options, special promotions and bonuses, effective customer care, etc.
Online Betting Apps In Nevada
Nevada sports betting is a thrilling, engaging activity that you can partake in throughout the state. Gambling is an institution within NV, with decades of tradition under its belt. It’s the perfect place to fall in love with sports wagering.
Anyway, before you decide to sign up for any of the operators, make sure that it is licensed and legal in NV. While registering, don’t forget to check out for the brand’s special offers.
Other states where you can place an online sports bet :
Colorado Illinois Indiana Iowa Michigan New Jersey Pennsylvania Tennessee Virginia West Virginia
Nevada Casino Sportsbook Operators
| Operator | Casino(s)/Sportsbook(s) |
|---|---|
| Station Casinos | Red Rock Resort, Green Valley Ranch, Palace Station, Sante Fe Station, Texas Station, Boulder Station, Fiestas |
| CG Technology | Cosmopolitan, Hard Rock, M Resort, The Palazzo, Palms, Silverton, Tropicana, The Venetian |
| Caesars Entertainment | Bally’s, Caesars Palace, Cromwell, Flamingo, Harrah’s, The Linq, Planet Hollywood, Paris, Rio, Harrah’s Laughlin, Harrah’s Reno, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Harvey’s Lake Tahoe |
| MGM Resorts International | Aria, Bellagio, Circus Circus, Excalibur, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, Monte Carlo, The Mirage, New York-New York |
| William Hill | William Hill (locals casinos, mobile kiosks) |
| Boyd Gaming | Aliante, Cannery, Eastside Cannery, Eldorado, Gold Coast, Jokers Wild, The Orleans, Sam’s Town, Suncoast |
| South Point | South Point |
| Treasure Island | Treasure Island |
| Jerry’s Nugget | Jerry’s Nugget |
| Westgate | Westgate |
| Wynn | Wynn Las vegas, Encore |
Nevada Mobile Sportsbeting Apps
| Site/App | Sports Betting Service Provider |
|---|---|
| Station Casinos – STN Sports | Miomni |
| MGM Resorts – PlayMGM | IGT |
| CG Technology | CG Technology |
| William Hill | William Hill |
| NV Sports Books | William Hill |
| Boyd Gaming – B-Connected Sports | Miomni |
| Golden Nugget | Miomni |
| Westgate – SuperBook | Miomni |
| Caesars Entertainment | Miomni |
| Treasure Island | Miomni |
| South Point | William Hill |
| Wynn | Miomni |
General Summary of Sports Betting in Nevada
Ah, fabulous Las Vegas, crown jewel of Nevada, the only state in America where betting on sports and horse races was legal…until recently. That changed, of course, in May 2018, when the Supreme Court of the United States overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which opened the sports betting door to every other state.
Online Horse Betting In Nevada
If you’re a sports fan or a gambler, chances are you’ve been to Las Vegas to partake in the watching of, and betting on, sporting events. It’s common for groups of fans and bettors to travel to Las vegas during the NCAA March Madness tournament, the Super Bowl, and even regular Sundays during football season specifically to watch and gamble on sports.
But why was sports betting allowed only in the state of Nevada? For the answer, we refer back to PASPA, the 1992 bill that banned sports betting expansion in every state in the US – except Nevada, which was grandfathered in. It was for this reason that all these years, Las Vegas has been synonymous with sports betting.
Think about it: sports articles or talk shows often refer to teams as favorites or underdogs according to “Vegas.” Even in a non-sports betting context, sports culture in the US has long been centered around Las Vegas, simply because Nevada was the only place where wagering on sports was legal.
Despite the fact that Delaware, New Jersey, Mississippi and West Virginia have joined Nevada as states that offer legal and regulated wagering on sports, Las Vegas is still king when it come to sports betting. It’ll still be years before other states can build up the infrastructure and atmosphere Las Vegas has spent decades cultivating.
Watch this space for more Nevada sports betting content from RotoGrinders as we’ll have Nevada online sportsbook reviews, and are proud to be your expert on all things Nevada sports betting!
Nevada’s Sports Betting History
To get the full picture of sports betting in Nevada and how it came to be the only US state that offered legal sports betting for nearly 70 years, we have to go back to 1931. On March 19, 1931, then Nevada Governor Fred Balzar signed Bill 98 into law, which legalized wide-open gambling for the first time in any US state’s history. This event set Las Vegas on course to becoming the sports betting haven we know and love today.
Even though gambling in Nevada was legalized in 1931, sports betting largely remained an illegal, underground activity until 1949, when Nevada legalized sports betting and horse betting. In 1951, the federal government attached a 10% tax on legal sportsbooks, which caused many legitimate sportsbooks to close because they couldn’t handle the tax rate. Others kept to the illegal underground, or used workarounds, like writing tickets in code for lower amounts than they were actually worth.
It wasn’t until 1974 that the federal government relaxed its tax on sports betting, lowering the rate to 2%. More legitimate sportsbooks began to emerge, and two years later in 1976, the model upon which many modern sportsbooks are built opened up: the Stardust sportsbook boasted six giant TV screens and luxurious seating for up to 300 patrons.
In 1982, the federal government further reduced its tax rate all the way down to 0.25%, which is when sports betting in Las vegas truly took off. Four years later in 1986, The Hilton opened its Superbook, an even larger version of the Stardust. This site is now Westgate, which is home to what is widely recognized as the best sportsbook in Las Vegas.
Sports betting in Nevada in 2018 is alive and well, despite PASPA no longer blocking other states. Almost every casino in Las Vegas has a sportsbook, with many of them featuring large, stadium-like areas with large screens and plush seating areas.
Las Vegas has also embraced the Digital Age, with many sportsbooks offering their lines on betting apps. Some operators are boasting that between 25-50% of their handle comes from apps. No matter how or where you like to bet on sports, Las Vegas is still the sports betting capital of the US.
Nevada Sports Betting FAQs
When did it become legal to bet on sports in Nevada?
Nevada legalized sports betting, along with horse betting, in 1949. This is noteworthy because Nevada was the only state to have legal sports betting from 1949-2018.
Online Sportsbooks Nevada
Where can I place a sports bet in Nevada?
Sports bets can be placed at almost every casino in Las Vegas, as well as various other local casinos across the state of Nevada.
The following companies offer Nevada sports betting apps:
- CG Technology
- Caesars Entertainment
- Boyd Gaming
- Golden Nugget
- MGM Resorts
- Station Casinos
- South Point
- Westgate
- Wynn
- William Hill
- NV Sports Books
What sports can I bet on in Nevada?
Nevada offers sports bets on the following, among other special offers:
- NFL
- College football
- NBA
- College basketball
- NHL
- KHL
- Canadian football
- Rugby
- MLB
- Soccer
- Boxing
- MMA
- Cycling
- Tennis
- Golf
- Esports
- Horse and virtual horse racing
- Formula One
- NASCAR
- Indy
What types of bets can I make in Nevada?
Best Online Sports Betting Nevada
Nevada offers the following types of sports bets:
Online Betting In Nevada
- Moneyline
- Point spread
- Totals (Over/Under)
- Partial game lines
- Parlay
- Teaser
- Pleaser
- Round robin
- Futures
- In-play
- Props
How do I deposit money on a Nevada sports betting app?
To deposit money on a Nevada sports betting app, you must visit the sportsbook related to the app on which you’d like to deposit. If you do not wish to enter a casino, your other option is William Hill, an app that accepts deposits at kiosks located around the Las Vegas strip and across Nevada.
Is DFS legal in Nevada? Will we see any hybrid games offered in the near future?
DFS companies are currently unable to operate in Nevada, but the winds of change may be coming. DraftKings, which has already launched a successful digital sportsbook in New Jersey, has said it wants to open an office in Las Vegas. If and when this happens, you can be sure of their plans to enter the sports betting market.
In other states where both sports betting and DFS are legal, we believe there will soon be exciting DFS-sports betting hybrid products. RotoGrinders’ own Cal Spears recently told The Athletic (paywall) about the kind of crossover contests we could see:
“Say, on a Sunday, you make 15 different NFL bets, but you make them against 100,000 other people,” Spears said. “Sort of like a parlay, but against others. If you pick the Patriots (as a 7-point favorite), you hit for 1 point, but if you pick their opponent (as a 7-point underdog) you get 7 points. Then add up all the points. That’s a really complicated thing to do, because you have 100,000 concurrent users hitting your server, making teams, hitting your database – but (DraftKings and FanDuel) are already set up to do that. I think they might have an edge running different formats that other people would struggle to justify even writing the first line of code for.”
This kind of thing seems like it would be a blast in Las Vegas on an NFL Sunday, or during a day of March Madness, so here’s hoping DFS eventually makes a triumphant return to Nevada.