Top Guide to the Nevada Online Casinos
It’s easy to assume that Nevada online casinos are legal, especially considering it’s home to Las Vegas, the gambling capital of the world. While it was the first to legalize online sports betting in 2010, joining and playing at online casinos in Nevada is illegal.
Our Nevada online casinos guide will examine the current laws, what could change, and where you can play legally online. There are brilliant options available without joining the unregulated online casinos in Nevada.
Are Online Casinos Legal in Nevada?
The only legal form of real money online gambling in Nevada is Poker, and WSOP is the only website where you can legally play. Of course, sweepstake online casinos in Nevada are also legal since you’re not required to make deposits.
While online casinos in Nevada are not regulated, offshore casinos continue to cater to the market. However, since these sites are not licensed or regulated, we highly recommend avoiding them. Not only are games not monitored for fairness, but the sites are not required to follow any fairness regulations for bonuses, either.
What is Legal in Nevada Casinos?
Nevada is an “anything goes” state and permits just about all forms of gambling, including casinos, poker, sports betting, bingo, and much more. However, regulating online casinos in Nevada could harm the immense success of land-based establishments.
It’s not just about the gambling opportunities and revenue but also the hotels, restaurants, and other forms of entertainment that would see a decrease when legalizing online casinos. Furthermore, no other nearby states provide online gaming, putting no pressure on lawmakers to legalize online casinos in Nevada.
When will Nevada Legalize Online Casinos?
The vast range of land-based casinos caters to all player needs. While the best online casinos in other states impress with more features and better bonuses, there is no need to regulate online casinos in Nevada.
Therefore, legal Nevada online casinos are likely a few years away as it currently doesn’t provide any significant advantage. Social casinos, as everywhere else in the USA, are legal.
Brief Gambling History in Nevada
Las Vegas was founded in 1905, at which time it was nothing more than a railway town with just 800 residents by 1910. Forty years later, it already made its name as America’s gambling and entertainment capital.
Nevada saw the possibility of a gambling tax haven, especially with the large influx of workers visiting the city on payday, looking for weekend recreation. In 1931, Nevada legalized gambling, but getting players just once every two weeks simply wasn’t enough.
A few years later, the new mayor in California started seriously cracking down on the illegal gambling trade, causing gambling business owners to look for new opportunities and avoid prosecution, making Las Vegas the perfect destination in 1938. The Strip was established by Guy McAfee (one of the gambling operators who fled California) when El Rancho Vegas Resort opened on Highway 91.
The incredible success of the resort caused more hotel/casinos to open along the strip and up Fremont Street, nicknamed “Glitter Gulch” in 1946. In the same year, one of the world’s most famous casinos, Golden Nugget, was opened by Guy McAfee.
Best Sweepstake Casinos to Play in Nevada
Because real money online casinos in Nevada are illegal, you can still play the latest online slots, live dealer games, and other online casino games. Sweepstake online casinos in Nevada are 100% legal since players are not required to make any deposits. Instead, you’ll play with casino credits, which allow you to earn rewards and exchange them for real money gifts.
There are loads of Sweepstake online casinos in Nevada, offering excellent no deposit bonuses by registering your account.
| Rank | Sweepstake Casino | Welcome Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Wow Vegas | 5,000 Wow Coins |
| 2. | High 5 Casino | 250 GC, 600 Diamonds, 5 Sweeps |
| 3. | Gambino Slots | 100,000 Game Coins + 200 Free Spins |
| 4. | Pulsz | 2.3 Sweeps + 5,000 Game Coins |
| 5. | BetRivers.net | 10 to 1,000 VC$ |
In Which States Is Online Casino Legal?
Six states in America have legalized online casinos, but they are all located on the country’s eastern side, far away from Nevada. The first legalized sites appeared in 2013 when New Jersey opened the market and multiple sites launched simultaneously. Today, six states provide access to multiple online casinos, and Rhode Island will become the seventh in March 2024.
Closest Legal State to Nevada
If the extensive range of land-based casinos in Nevada doesn’t do it for you and you’d prefer to play at the best online casinos, you’d need to travel quite far. The closest state with online casinos to Nevada is Michigan, over 2,000 miles away.
Land-based Casinos in Nevada
Land-based casinos in Nevada are seemingly endless, with the biggest brands appearing along The Strip. Choose from a massive range of over 450 casinos, some with massive hotels, spas, endless gaming opportunities, and more.
The state lives up to its gambling capital reputation and attracts interested gamblers and thrill seekers worldwide.
Nevada Online Casinos are Unlikely Any Time Soon
The massive range of land-based casinos provides a unique advantage. Introducing Nevada online casinos could harm the state’s success and entertainment, making it unlikely for lawmakers to jump at the opportunity of adding the online industry.
Of course, as more states jump at the benefit of online play, Nevada would eventually also move towards the online market. As with its land-based industry, Nevada would likely provide the biggest range of online casinos in the US.