1931 – The legalization of gambling in Nevada
Nevada made gambling legal in 1931, which put an end to the prohibition. Governor Fred Balzar signed the ‘Wide Open Gambling’ bill legalizing it. The first gambling license was for Northern Clube, followed by the opening of Red Rooster Nightclub and the receiving of gaming permission of Reno’s Riverside Hotel.
1937 – The opening of the first social bingo
The first bingo parlor to open was William Fish Harrah in Reno. This happened in 1937.
1945 – The State Tax Commission in control of gaming licenses
In 1945, Nevada Legislature gave the right to grant gaming licenses on both local and county levels to the State Tax Commission. The latter became the only authority that can grant gaming permissions.
1949 – Pro-sports betting and horse racing lawful
In 1949, pro-sports and horse racing forms of gambling were legalized.
1955 – Nevada Gaming Control Board
Ten years later, in 1955, the Nevada Tax Commission founded the Nevada Gaming Control Board. The state gambling tax increased to 5.5% of all gross winnings from all games of chance.
1965-1975 – Cutting of the Sports Betting Tax and more innovations
In 1965 was created the Gaming Industry Association in Reno. In 1974, the Sports Betting Tax was reduced to 2%. This let owners of venues make them look classier and more luxurious. One year later in 1975, the first sports book was opened.
1977-1983 – Other profitable years
In 1977, gambling revenues become lucrative. Clark County has gained casino games venues of over $1 billion. Hotel-casinos started reporting the profits from gambling to the federal authorities. In 1983, the Betting Tax was cut even more to 0.25%.
1991 – Charitable lotteries start to operate legally
Charitable lotteries such as raffles, drawings, and silent and live auctions have been lawful and regulated since 1991. Unfortunately, Nevada does not have its own state lottery yet.
1993 – New online gambling record for NV
In 1993, Nevada’s accumulated gaming revenue exceeds $6 billion, which was a new record for the state at that time. Additionally, other states and Indian reservations start gaming legally.
2010-2013 – The first NV-regulated poker websites
Nevada online casino sites became lawful in 2010 with the legitimation of sports betting apps.
Online poker was legalized in 2011 followed by online gambling in 2013. On February 21st, the bill turns into law and by the end of 2013, the world of gaming in NV had its first licensed poker websites. These were WSOP.com and Ultimate Poker.
2016 – Daily Fantasy Sports
Daily Fantasy Sports can be hosted by websites in Nevada that are regulated by Nevada’s Gaming Policy Committee. This became possible first in 2016. So far, USFantasy remains the only licensed website for Dailly Fantasy Sports in Nevada. Players can put bets on MMA, football, basketball, and other contests.
2020 – Esports
Esports was introduced to the NV gambling scene in 2020. You can play them at the legally operating NV online casinos.
The future of gambling and online casinos Nevada
We expect soon Internet poker to grow. Other upcoming developments include:
- The reopening of Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas
- BetMGM is soon about to open its second online poker website in Nevada
- Online casino websites are soon to be licensed
Online gambling in Nevada is yet to be fully legalized so that players can take advantage not only of the glamorous brick-and-mortar casinos in Las Vegas and the rest of the cities.