Nevada Online Sports Betting Guide 2024

Online sports betting is legal in Nevada! Want to know more about the state’s laws and regulations and find out what the best online sportsbooks are? We’ll cover this and more in our expert guide.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Explore the best legal online sportsbook in Nevada. 
• Discover the state’s laws and regulations around sports betting activities.

Top Nevada Sports Betting Sites and Apps

With such a long history of legal gambling, it should come as no surprise that Nevada is home to many quality bookmakers, all vying for your time and patronage. The sheer number of online providers can be overwhelming, so we’ve sorted through them to find the best of the best. Let’s take a look at the top two! 

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Nevada?

Yes, online sports betting is legal in Nevada!

Gaming was first made legal in 1869, five years after Nevada officially gained statehood. For roughly 40 years, the activity was lawful, albeit rather tumultuous due to nearly no regulation. 

In 1909, all forms of gambling were banned, with the law taking effect in October 1910. In 1913, while commercial gambling remained illegal, open gambling was made legal once more. This meant that bettors could gamble against each other, but not at dedicated gambling houses. 

It wasn’t until the Great Depression hit the state that NV officially made commercial gambling legal again. From here on out, it has been mostly smooth sailing. The Nevada Gaming Control Board was formed in 1955 and given the regulatory power it needed to effectively guide the industry in 1959 via the Gaming Control Act. 

The Act created the Nevada Gaming Commission, which is the operating arm of the Gaming Control Board and acts on recommendations developed by the Board. Today, Chapter 463 guides gambling in Nevada.

10 Quick Facts About Nevada’s Sports Betting Laws

Sports betting in Nevada has been legal for nearly 100 years! The state has long been the home of gambling in the US, and its gambling history is long and storied.

Here are 10 of our favorite facts about Nevada sports betting:

1. Nevada’s law: Modern gambling in Nevada was legalized in 1931 when then-Governor Balzar signed a ‘wide open’ gambling law that year. This move came in response to the financial devastation of the state caused by the Great Depression. Online sports betting was legalized in 2010, making Nevada one of the first states to do so.
2. Legal age: If you want to try your hand at Nevada sports betting, you need to be at least 21 years old. 
3. Retail bookmakers: The Silver State is home to a great many retail bookmakers, all located in Las Vegas.
4. Taxes: If you win big in Nevada, you can expect to pay a 6.75% tax on your earnings. Note that your winnings might be subject to additional taxes.
5. The start of taxes: Until 1945, no taxes were imposed on gambling gross revenue. That year, everything changed when a tax rate of 1% was leveraged on revenue (profit) over $3,000.
6. First era: Nevada first legalized gambling in 1869, five years after it became a state. While the state went through a few law revisions and setbacks over the years, Nevada’s first gambling era set the stage for today’s gaming mecca.
7. Second era: The first era closed in 1909 when gambling was declared illegal in the state. In 1931, gambling returned with a fervor. Then-Governor Balzar signed legislation that kick-started the second era of gambling in Nevada. 
8. Early regulation: In 1955, the Nevada Gaming Control Board was created. In 1959, it became directly responsible for gaming regulation. Before 1959, the state’s Tax Commission had been responsible for approving licensees and overseeing gambling regulation.
9. State borders: Nevada shares borders with a total of five states. In the north, the state is bordered by Oregon and Idaho. Utah and Arizona lie along its eastern border, and California rests along the western borderline. California and Arizona also border Nevada in the south. Oregon and Arizona are the bordering states that also offer online sports betting opportunities. 
10. Board members: The Nevada Gaming Control Board consists of three members supported by over 100 dedicated staff.

How to Bet on Sports in Nevada

Nevada sports betting is pretty straightforward. Whether you want to get in on the retail action or are interested in Nevada sports betting apps, getting involved shouldn’t be a complex process. To help make it even easier, we’ll provide a quick guide covering all the main steps you need to take along the way. 

Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:

1. Pick a bookmaker: First up, pick a bookmaker you trust! Look for well-established online providers regulated and licensed by trustworthy regulatory authorities. Look first to online sportsbooks sanctioned by the state (we’ll discuss some of these a bit later).
2. Register your account and verify your identity: Once you’ve found the right sportsbook provider for your online Nevada sports betting needs, it’s time to register a new account. Registration buttons should be displayed clearly on the sportsbook homepage. Once you have registered and provided the information needed to verify your identity (your state ID, typically), you’re ready for the next step. 
3. Fund your account: You’re almost there! Before you can place that first bet, you need to add money to your account. Visit the payments page, add your method of choice, and transfer money to your account.
4. Make a bet: Place your bet! Visit the sports betting page; pick your market, bet type, and wager amount; and hit ‘submit’!

Popular Sports and Teams in the Nevada Betting Scene

Sports might not be the first activity you think of when you picture Nevada, but the state has a rousing athletics industry filled with talented players and passionate fans. The most popular sports in the state are football, baseball, women’s basketball, and hockey, in line with the rest of the country.

Something to note here is that the industry is actively expanding, with the future bright for attracting teams in all the Big Four leagues:

• NHL
• NFL
• NBA
• MLB

Some of the most notable professional teams in Nevada include:

• Vegas Golden Knights (NHL)
• Las Vegas Raiders (NBL)
• Las Vegas Aces (WNBA)
• Las Vegas Aviators (MLB)

For collegiate sports fans, the selection is much smaller but no less impressive:

• Nevada Wolf Pack (football, University of Nevada, Reno)
• Runnin’ Rebels (basketball, University of Nevada, Las Vegas)
• Lady Rebels (basketball, University of Nevada, Las Vegas)

With so many excellent local teams, you might not be surprised to learn that some players quickly become region-wide favorites. 

One of the most popular players in the state is Chelsea Gray. She plays for the Aces and is poised to represent the USA at the Olympics. Often referred to as the ‘Point Gawd’, her presence can make or break a season.

Are There More Gambling Options in Nevada? 

If you’re looking for alternatives to online sports betting in Nevada then you’re in luck! The state has plenty of other legal gambling opportunities available:

• Casino: When it comes to retail and online casino gaming options, few states have as prolific an offering as Nevada. The casino industry has been an incredibly popular and profitable one in the state for decades, and today offers live table games such as poker, blackjack, and roulette, among others, as well as video slots. Players can participate online or in person.
• Horse racing: It is another common gambling activity. Nevada online sports betting regulations allow bettors to gamble on most races at the state’s online sportsbooks, or they can visit a racetrack or sportsbook in person to bet. 
• Fantasy Sports: Daily fantasy sports contests have been legal in Nevada since 2015, but major operators like DraftKings and FanDuel are currently unavailable unless they obtain a gaming license. However, DraftKings has shown commitment to the state with plans for a new office in Las Vegas.
• Retail Sportsbooks: Nevada boasts over 50 retail sportsbooks, with most located within the numerous casinos in Las Vegas. These venues offer in-person and kiosk betting options, providing a dynamic environment for sports wagering.

Tips and Strategies for Nevada Bettors 

Mobile sports betting in Nevada might be fun, but this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have a plan. We recommend that you take some time to consider how to maximize your bet. 

Here is a list of tips for all Nevada bettors:

1. Before you ever place your first wager, you should look into the best sportsbook promos available.
   New registrants often have access to welcome bonuses, which can include things such as free bets and losses payback. Taking advantage of them can help stretch your funds.
2. Next, make a budget. What can you easily afford to lose? It might be tempting to add money to your budget once it starts dwindling, but stay strong and instead plan how you spend carefully. When you put real thought into your wagers, you’ll place a higher emphasis on odds and make smarter betting choices. This, in turn, can help you maximize your money.
3. Don’t forget to keep your account in good standing! You can’t get paid if your account is frozen or unconfirmed, so make sure to provide all requested information promptly after you register.

For more information about how to get better at sports betting, read our handy 101 guide!

Nevada Sports Betting Taxes 

You can have fun all you want with sports betting, but you still need to understand how taxes work on your sports betting winnings to ensure you stay on the legal side of things.

Nevada has some of the best consumer tax rates on gambling winnings in the country! You can expect to pay a 6.75% tax on your earnings, but not all earnings are taxable. According to CFP Matthew Frankel (writing for Yahoo! Finance), you are allowed to deduct losses from winnings and report only the profit. 

Example: Let’s say that you place two bets – Bet A for $1,000 and Bet B for $500 – for a total of $1,500. You win Bet A, but lose Bet B. This leaves you with $500 profit out of the $1,500 pot. You would claim taxes on the $500 profit, not the $1,000 Bet A win.

So, Will You Bet from Nevada Tonight?

Now that you’ve completed this exploration of Nevada sports betting, you’re well-equipped to dive into the action! Remember to keep these insights and betting tips in mind as you select the ideal sportsbook to start your journey.

If you’re eager to expand your knowledge and learn more about sports betting regulations in other states, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide. It offers valuable information to ensure you stay informed no matter where you choose to play.