Nevada is a unique destination for online poker players because it is one of only two states at this time offering online poker gambling. Along with New Jersey, Nevada has embraced state regulated online poker and in the last few years has developed a successful online poker industry. This has increased the range options for Nevada residents who previously were limited only to brick and mortar poker games as far as state regulated poker was concerned. Nevada players also have access to a handful of legally sanctioned offshore poker sites that welcome players from the Silver State. This guide is designed to provide you with information on all of the state's poker options so that players can make informed decisions regarding their poker entertainment. We will touch on the legality of playing poker in Nevada, and how to find reputable, secure and high quality destinations at which to play.
State regulated online poker began to become a reality in Nevada on December 22, 2011 when the state passed the very first official online poker regulations in the country. Final revisions were made on Feb 13, 2013 through Assembly Bill 114, and several months later their first online poker site was launched. The very next day, the DOJ made the declaration that the Federal Wire Act only applies to sports betting and would not affect states' rights to adopt online poker or casino gambling for their territory. Later, in the spring of 2012, the Nevada Gaming Commission began the process of approving online poker licenses. In early 2013, AB 114 was passed, officially making online poker legally sanctioned under Nevada state law. This bill also provided the option of entering into interstate poker compacts with other states. The first state based online poker site was launched in Nevada on April 30, 2013, effectively pioneering the US based online poker industry making history.
The launch of Nevada's online poker industry has for the most part been successful, and has provided a welcomed boost to state revenue and to the range of options available to Nevada poker players. At this time there are several legally licensed and state regulated online poker sites, operating through agreements with existing brick and mortar casinos as to not harm the casino industry in Sin City. Thus far it has worked as intended and the infrastructure in place has held its own.
Before the state got involved in the online poker industry, there have been a handful of reliable and reputable offshore poker sites that re legally licensed and regulated, and that have been providing poker gaming services to US players for many years. We have carefully surveyed these websites and have placed each reputable brand through an intense review process in order to determine their legitimacy within the industry and their quality and value to players. We have provided a listing of recommendations that represent the top rated options of online poker sites accepting players from Nevada. There are no state or federal laws in place at this time that prohibit Nevada residents from participating in online poker gambling at these types of sites as long as they are indeed licensed, regulated and overseen by a legitimate governing jurisdiction that has already legalized online poker for their respective territories. The poker rooms we recommend all fall into this category.
Unlike most other states, Nevada actually has an established online poker gambling age. It is currently set at 21 years of age. This law is applicable to any type of online poker gambling that Nevada residents participate in, including offshore online poker games. You may have noticed that some offshore poker sites accept players as young as 18. Despite this fact, players in Nevada must adhere to the established legal gambling age requirements set forth pursuant to state law, or risk violating the law and face criminal consequences. We strongly recommend that you do not attempt to engage in underage gambling at any time. Due to the fact that Nevada does offer a state regulated online poker platform, they are expected to take underage gambling very very seriously, and we fully support and respect that.
After Ultimate Poker's recent departure from the Nevada online poker market, the state now offers two licensed poker sites for players: WSOP and Real Gaming are the two remaining state based options. On this page, you will see a listing of online poker sites that accept players from Nevada. These brands are not state licensed destinations, but rather are licensed, regulated and located outside of the United States. These poker sites are legally sanctioned and operating legitimately within the industry. There are no state or federal laws that prohibit NV residents from participating at these locations. We have personally vetted each of them to verify their credentials, quality and value. They each offer a premium poker gaming experience that is secure and enjoyable in every way. Both the state based and licensed offshore poker sites you se on this page offer mobile options for enjoying online poker from your smartphone or tablet.
The infrastructure in which Nevada's online poker industry is founded took great care to prevent the launch of these sites from harming the existing brick and mortar poker businesses. The online poker sites are all bound by agreements with an existing Nevada casino. Because the land based poker and casino gambling environment in Las Vegas is strong and in demand, with millions of people visiting the area each year, the compacts forged with online poker brands has only enhanced what Sin City has to offer. The online poker business is not cannibalizing its brick and mortar counterparts as to do so would put both legs of the operation at risk. Rather it encourages foot traffic into the casinos through the in-person deposit and registration requirements, and the two ends of the stick work in conjunction with each other. Reports indicate that some players even leave the poker tables at a Las Vegas casino and end up in their hotel room playing poker with the same company online. It has turned out to be a win win. The primary competition that Nevada gambling destinations face is from the legal offshore poker sites that offer a very strong platform and high quality poker gaming experience, along with some hefty bonus offers as well.
Nevada State Legislature Official Website
Nevada State Gaming Control Board & Gaming Commission
Nevada Poker News
