Las Vegas Online Poker Real Money
Two months later, on April 30, Ultimate Poker made history as the first regulated online poker site to accept real-money players. Ultimate Poker was a majority-owned subsidiary of Stations Casinos, a company most well-known for operating a host of locals casinos in the Las Vegas area. America’s largest legal online poker room A variety of no-limit hold’em, omaha and stud cash games Over $250,000 in guarantees on Sunday, featuring our $100k Sunday tournament Blast Poker – The ultimate sit & go experience with the opportunity to play for a prize pool of up to 10,000 times original buy-in.
Players seeking that experience of being able to win real money at online casino sites tend to rely on free games as a substitute but nothing beats actually being able to play for real money at casinos online.
That’s precisely why I want to help our beloved readers out by finding the best casino for real money. Naturally, there is no single best online casino (real money) but I’ve compiled a list (see below) with full reviews for each option.
This list only comprises of reliable casinos so here are the top online casinos that pay real money in 2021:
Best Online Casino: Real Money
After taking a good look at all online casinos that pay real money and are available to casino players, I have managed to find five of them. This list includes only the casinos that have:
- The best welcome bonuses
- The most comprehensive lists of payment options for casino players
- Quality licenses
- Established reputations in the gambling community
- Great customer support
- A wide variety of casino games.
All in all, I took a good look at all the aspects that point to a great online casino and added only the best ones to my top 5 online casino list.
BetOnline Casino
If you’re looking for the best online casino (real money), you can’t go wrong with BetOnline Casino. This casino has been around since 2004, so it has a great reputation as one of the older players in the game. Imion Limited Casinos owns it, and it has the venerated Panama gambling license.
The casino offers a wide range of payment options, including bank wire transfers, credit and debit cards, and Skrill and Neteller, all of which are the options that most gamblers tend to use.
When it comes to the games, the casino offers a wide range of slots and table games, most of which come from the notable software developer we all love — Betsoft.
What’s very interesting about this site is that it offers its services in more than a dozen different languages. Add to that the fact that only a handful of countries are restricted, and BetOnline Casino becomes the best real casino online for real money for a lot of players around the globe.
Bovada Casino
Morris Mohawk Gaming Group Casinos launched Bovada Casinos in 2011, and since then, this casino has worked to build its reputation. That’s why they can now safely count themselves among the safest and most responsive casinos out there, which is not something that many can state in this industry.
I say this because this great casino for real money has 24/7 support teams that you can reach via chat, email, and even a toll-free USA phone. Furthermore, the site uses 128-bit SSL encryption that ensures complete transaction safety.
If you decide to join Bovada Casino, you’ll be glad to know that a wide range of slots, table games, and video poker games awaits you. All these real casino games are made by some of the top names in the casino development industry, including Betsoft, RTG, and Rival. Oh, and yes, most of them have RTPs higher than 97%, which can only mean that you can expect some very high payouts.
Slots LV Casino
Most of you are looking to play for real money at casinos online, and you can’t go wrong with Slots LV Casino. That’s because this respected casino from Lynton Limited Casinos has a 97.92% payout rate and offers a stellar welcome bonus of up to $5,000!
You get the chance to play more than 400 casino games, including slots, blackjack, video poker, roulette, scratchcards, and live dealer games. All of them come from some of the most reliable software developers in the world. By these, I mean companies like Betsoft, RTG, Rival, and Bodog Custom.
When you consider all of this, the wide range of payment options, and an amazing mobile-friendly site, you quickly realize that Slots LV is among the best online casinos that pay real money.
Las Vegas USA Online Casino
Las Vegas USA is an excellent casino established in 2002 by the Main Street Vegas Group Casinos. Its platform is powered by RTG that is among the best software providers in the world so that you can expect an amazing experience.
Las Vegas Online Poker Real Money Reviews
You get the chance to play a lot of different slots, table games like blackjack, roulette, pokers, craps, and more. Apart from these, Las Vegas USA offers many other online casino games that pay real money, among which video poker games and live dealer games are the most prominent.
What’s more, the casino understands how vital customer support is, which is why they offer a 24/7 live chat option with quite responsive agents. Furthermore, the site is well protected, as it uses 128-bit SSL encryption and third-party auditors to ensure that the casino experience is fair and honest.
In the end, if you decide to join the website, you’ll be glad to know that some excellent bonuses await you, including a sizable 150% match up welcome bonus up to $11,000.
Vegas Casino Online
Vegas Casino Online is a casino with a long reputation that started back in 1999. It’s well-received among the player base since it has a license from Costa Rica and a large number of RTG games. As RTG is a very successful software developer, it’s no wonder that many feel Vegas Casino Online is the best real casino online for real money.
If that weren’t enough, the casino is known to be fair not only because of the license but also because of the fact that TST audits the site. If you don’t know, TST is among the most respected third-party auditors in the online casino industry.
For those who love having various options concerning the location where they play casino games that win real money, it’s good to know that Vegas Casino Online can be played via a browser, downloadable app, and phone.
All in all, it’s a great online casino that’s bound to bring you a lot of enjoyment and great winnings.
Online Casino Games for Real Money
Now that you know all about the best online casinos that pay real money, it’s time to discuss the online casino games that pay real money.
Naturally, all casino games pay money, but none of them tends to pay the same amount. Each game has a different Return to Player percentage, and thus each has higher or lower odds. Let’s take a look at all of them, starting with the ones that pay the most.
Poker
I had to write about poker first because traditional poker is a game of skill. This only means that there is no house edge, and your win depends on the skills you possess.
Video Poker
Video poker has always been a very fun type of poker for all those who enjoy machines more than tables. You can win a lot here, as the house edge is only 0.46%, which is in line with most poker games.
Blackjack
If you want to win real money at online casino sites, card games are always the right choice, as they have the lowest house edge. Blackjack is one of the best, and it has a house edge from 0.5% to 2%, depending on the table rules.
Baccarat
Baccarat is a well-known card game that you can play at most casinos. If you’re interested in real money casino games, then baccarat is the right choice, because the house edge is only 1.06%.
Roulette
Roulette is a complicated one to put into perspective, as the house edge depends on the type of roulette. French roulette pays the most, with the house of 1.35%. Next is European roulette with the house edge being 2.70%. The last is American roulette, where the house edge is 5.26%.
Craps
Craps is one of the most fun real casino games that’s played on a table. The house edge of craps is 1.36%.
Pai Gow
Pai Gow is a unique type of poker that’s enjoyed by many casino game lovers. The house edge here is 1.46%.
Sic Bo
Sic Bo is an unusual, but extremely enjoyable card game from Ancient China that’s still played today. The house edge here is very low, usually around 2.78%, but it can vary depending on the region.
Slots
If you’re looking for casino games to win real money, slots are usually not advised. That’s mostly because of the high house edge that can reach 15%. However, every slot is different, and some have a house edge that’s as low as 1%.
Bingo
Bingo is, unfortunately, one of those real online casino games that pay very little. The house edge varies from casino to casino, but it’s usually around 10%.
Keno
Keno is an extremely fun casino game. However, the house edge is very high, usually between 20% and 35%.
How to Win (and Withdraw) Real Money
Winning real money in casino games mostly depends on luck, but in some games like poker, it also depends on skill.
As for the rest, it’s all about the technicalities that you need to be familiar with. That’s because playing casino games and winning real money is not as simple as playing other games and eventually winning.
In many cases, there are wagering requirements that you need to fulfill before you can cash in. Basically, you can win real money at online casino games, but you can’t do much with it if there are wagering requirements that need to be fulfilled if you want to withdraw your winnings.
Thankfully, in most casinos, wagering requirements only exist for the welcome bonus and other bonuses you can claim. If you win when playing games with your own money, there are no requirements you need to fulfill. You only need to respect the minimum and maximum withdrawal amounts the casino has.
As for the wagering requirements themselves, they usually require you to wager your wins a few dozen times, usually around 35 times. Once that’s done, you can withdraw the winnings. The exact requirements vary depending on the casino, but most of them will have them outlined in your account’s bonus money section.
How to Deposit Real Money to Win
Depositing money can be done in many ways. Every casino has a specific list of deposit methods they support, and you have to choose one of them if you want to make a deposit, and then you can play for real money at casinos online.
The exact things you need to do to deposit money are different depending on the payment method, but almost all are very easy to follow. The steps are always outlined once you start the deposit process.
However, there are two processes you need to be aware of beforehand.
KYC and AML Process
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance is an integral part of every business that deals with real money. A big part of this compliance is Know Your Customer (KYC), a process that’s used to verify your identity. In essence, casinos use it to prove that you are who you say you are. As long as your information is correct, when the casino decides to take you through the process, it would be quick and easy.
FAQ
Are there any casino apps that pay real money?Yes, many of them, but the best ones are BetOnline Casino, Slots LV Casino, Bovada Casino, Vegas Casino Online, and Las Vegas USA Online Casino.
Can you win real money in online casinos?Yes, you can. All you need to do is deposit real money.
How do you win at roulette in a real casino?There is no definite way to win at roulette, but the closest one is betting on a color. Whenever you win, place the initial bet again, and whenever you lose, double it. This is a sure way of winning, as long as you have enough money to spend. However, bear in mind that it’s also risky.
When do real money casinos usually open?Online casinos are open 24/7, while land-based casinos tend to have working hours if they are small. Large casinos, like the ones in Vegas, also work 24/7.
Which online casino pays real money?Casinos like BetOnline Casino, Slots LV Casino, Bovada Casino, Vegas Casino Online, and Las Vegas USA Online Casino pay real money.
Are online casinos real?As long as an online casino has a license and games from verified software developers, it’s completely legitimate.
What casino games pay real money?All casino games pay real money, but some pay more than others. For example, card games like blackjack and baccarat pay the most.
Best Nevada online poker site in 2019
Latest Nevada online poker news
Intended for an adult audience and does not offer real money gambling or an opportunity to win real money or prizes. Practice or success at social gambling does not imply future s. Las Vegas has been - and still is - the home of the World Series of Poker, which takes place each summer at the Rio Hotel. The $10,000-buy-in Main Event is still the world's most prestigious poker tournament event. Many online poker Nevada players make their way to the world's biggest poker tournament to try their luck live. You can bet that many will continue to come through online poker NV sites well into the.
- by Sean ChaffinDecember 11, 2019
Nevada: Home to first licensed US online poker room
Contents
- 3 Good Signs: PokerStars Beefs Up PACOOP As Michigan Adds Online Poker
- 3.11 NV online poker FAQ
It all started with regulations drafted by the Nevada Gaming Commission on Dec. 22, 2011. An opinion letter written by the Department of Justice became public the following day stating that online poker did not violate the Wire Act. The DOJ opinion written three months earlier was in response to a state lottery inquiry.
Nevada Legislature took up the online poker issue in February 2013. It confirmed the regulations drafted by gaming regulators. Nevada lawmakers also included language that permits the governor to enter into liquidity sharing agreements with other states. Nevada has since entered into such an agreement with Delaware and New Jersey.
Ultimate Poker became the first entirely legal poker site in the US on April 30, 2013. There was no previous announcement leading up to the launch. The news hit the mainstream, and Ultimate Poker executives took to the airwaves to help promote the product.
Station Casinos was the group behind Ultimate Poker. The company is the largest locals casino owner in Las Vegas.
The site was heavily promoted at the casinos owned by Station and through direct mailers to players registered with the Boarding Pass players club. Ultimate Poker players could deposit and withdraw from any cashier cage operated by Station Casinos.
Ultimate Poker drew several hundred players from its first day. The first major Sunday tournaments hit its cap of 200 entrants and produced a $20,000 prize pool. Legal online poker was alive once again in the US.
WSOP.com launches and takes over the Nevada market
The fortunes of Ultimate Poker started to decline when WSOP.com launched on Sept. 17, 2013. It only took about six weeks for WSOP.com to overtake Ultimate Poker for the No. 1 spot regarding online poker traffic in Nevada.
WSOP.com Nevada was heavily promoted during the summer World Series of Poker. This helped it draw players away from Ultimate Poker.
The software used by WSOP.com was far superior to the one used by Ultimate Poker. This included the introduction of Omaha, Omaha High/Low, Seven Card Stud and Seven Card Stud High/Low. Ultimate Poker only offered Texas Hold ’em at the time.
Real Gaming enters Nevada
Real Gaming became the third online poker room in Nevada. Backed by South Point Casino, a locals casino on Las Vegas Boulevard south of the Strip. The site only offers No Limit Texas Hold ’em cash games and one-table tournaments.
Ultimate Poker ceases operations
The competition proved to be no match for Ultimate Poker. The site struggled with inferior software and an inability to improve it in a timely manner.
Ultimate Poker dealt its last hand of online poker in Nevada on Nov. 17, 2014. It previously folded its New Jersey operations on Oct. 5, 2014, citing the bankruptcy of its business partner Trump Taj Mahal as the reason. Ultimate Gaming, its parent company, has since ceased operations.
WSOP.com now controls more than 99 percent of the Nevada online poker market. Real Gaming struggles to draw a single full table and is completely dark most hours of the day.
Interstate online poker compact with New Jersey and Delaware
Nevada and Delaware launched the first poker liquidity sharing agreement in March 2015, and New Jersey joined the mix in May 2018 to create a tri-state player pool in the US.
As the only platform available in all three states, WSOP.com was the only site to take full advantage of the liquidity sharing at launch. WSOP revealed new promotions, a bigger and better rewards program, and larger tournament guarantees in conjunction with its suddenly larger network.
888 provides WSOP.com’s platform and hosts the only poker network in Delaware. There are three skins on the Delaware poker network: Delaware Park, Dover Downs and Harrington Raceway. All are racinos that operate video lottery casinos in the state.
WSOP.com Nevada online poker details
WSOP.com is the Nevada online poker leader due to its ties to the World Series of Poker. It offers Texas Hold ’em, Omaha, Omaha High/Low, Seven Card Stud and Seven Card Stud High/Low.
New players receive a 100 percent, up to $400, first-deposit bonus. A similar reload bonus is offered every month.
All WSOP.com deposit bonuses clear at a rate of $10 for every $50 in rake and tournament fees paid.
The Action Club is WSOP.com’s VIP program. Players earn rakeback between 8 and 35 percent and freeroll entries based on the amount of monthly rake paid.
You can cash out rakebacks through the software in amounts of $10 or more. Other promotions include World Series of Poker satellites and monthly sit-and-go leaderboards.
WSOP.com Nevada online poker bracelet event
WSOP.com hosted the first World Series of Poker online bracelet event on July 2, 2015. It was a $1,000 entry. The tournament played down to two players on the first day. The final two opponents met at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas to finish the event live two days later.
The online event has returned every year since in an even more robust form. In 2018, for the first time, players in New Jersey can compete in the online bracelet events with players in Nevada.
Satellites and super satellites to many World Series of Poker events occur at WSOP.com during the spring and summer. A handful of these satellites are freerolls. Others require a buy-in as little as $1.
Nevada live poker rooms
Online Poker In Vegas
Nevada is the home to live poker in the US. Las Vegas is where most of the action occurs.
Venetian is the largest poker room in Las Vegas. It offers 59 tables. That number goes up during its Deep Stack Extravaganza tournament series.
Bellagio is the second-largest Las Vegas poker room. It spreads 37 tables. Other major Las Vegas Strip poker rooms include Wynn, Aria, and Caesars Palace.
There are several popular poker rooms in Las Vegas located off the Strip. The Orleans is the largest and is the home of Omaha High/Low and Fixed Limit Hold ’em in Las Vegas. The Orleans draws an equal number of locals and tourists.
Red Rock is the second-largest locals’ poker room. You’ll find it at the far west end of the Las Vegas Valley in the suburb of Summerlin. Green Valley Ranch, in the southeast part of town, is another active poker room in the locals market.
Visiting Las Vegas
There are numerous activities in the area if you need a break from poker. Rio has a zip line running between two hotel towers. The Palms offers a movie theater. Gold Coast has a bowling alley. All of those options are within walking distance.
Those with a car may want to explore Las Vegas and the surrounding area. Red Rock is a national park just west of the valley. Valley of Fire is about an hour north, Hoover Dam about an hour east. All are great outdoor activities.
Here are some of our favorite nongambling attractions in Las Vegas.
Those looking to party can take a cab for less than $10 to the Las Vegas Strip. There are top nightclubs at Cosmopolitan, Bellagio, MGM Grand, Aria, Wynn, Encore, Venetian, and Caesars Palace.
Those that enjoy the old-school feel should take a trip downtown. It will cost about $25 each way from Rio. Make sure to get in the cab at the convention center and tell the driver to take Industrial (part of which has been rechristened as Sammy Davis Jr. Drive) to keep from getting long-hauled on the highway.
Downtown Las Vegas is where legalized gambling started. It offers much better odds for those looking to gamble. The best blackjack in Las Vegas may be at El Cortez.
Great video poker is spread at numerous casinos. Craps players will want to hit the 20x odds spread at Main Street Station. In addition to better gambling, the minimum table game bet is often just $5 downtown.
While downtown, you may want to check out Fremont East. This is a block that’s undergone recent revitalization and is between Las Vegas Boulevard and El Cortez. It includes a strip of bars and clubs.
Here are our five favorite things about downtown Las Vegas.
Where to stay for the World Series of Poker
Finding a great place to stay can be tough. Rio typically offers competitive rates.
Make sure to check out Gold Coast. Directly across the street from Rio, it will likely be cheaper. The Orleans is just two blocks away, although it is a little too far to walk.
If you have a car, you may want to check out some of the locals’ casinos owned by Station. Staying downtown is another option.
Some players choose to stay at an extended stay to save some money. These are always hit and miss. Avoid the area along Tropicana the next exit down the highway from Rio. Most other neighborhoods with extended stay hotels will be in more desirable areas.
NV online poker FAQ
What Nevada regulated poker rooms are live?
WSOP.com is the only regulated Nevada online poker room as of Jan. 7, 2019.
What happened to Ultimate Poker?
Ultimate Poker was the first online poker site in Nevada. The company was not successful and ceased operations Nov. 17, 2014. Players have been paid in full.
Do I have to be a Nevada resident to play online poker?
No, but you need to be within the state of Nevada to play at regulated online poker rooms.
How does a poker room know a player is within Nevada?
Online poker rooms use three location devices to determine whether a player is within Nevada at the time of login.
One is the player’s IP address. This locates the point of a player’s internet connection. Cell phone triangulation is also used to determine a player’s location. The cellphone pings off multiple towers and its approximate location determines whether the player may sit at real money tables.
Mapping of wireless internet connections provides another location method. Real Gaming uses a smartphone app that uses multiple sources to verify the location.
Is Nevada location verification technology precise?
No, this is why players located within one mile of the state line may not play. This is the margin of error for cellphone triangulation and other methods. This ensures that no players can play outside the state.
What cities are within one mile of the Nevada state line?
Players in Primm, Mesquite, Laughlin, Jackpot, West Wendover and Stateline may not be able to play online poker in Nevada due to being within one mile of the state line.
How do you deposit at a Nevada online poker room?
WSOP.com accepts deposits via electronic checks, Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, PayNearMe, PayPal and cash at the cages of the following Las Vegas casinos:
- Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino Las Vegas
- Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
- Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort & Casino
- Harrah’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
- Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
Real Gaming accepts cash deposits at its South Point cage, PayNearMe, check by mail and bank wire.
How do you withdrawal from a Nevada online poker room?
WSOP.com pays withdrawals by electronic checks, cash at five Caesars casinos in Las Vegas and check by mail. Real Gaming mails a check that may be cashed at South Point or deposited as normal.
How old do you have to be to play online poker in Nevada?
Nevada requires all online poker players to be 21 years of age or older. This is the same age requirement to gamble at brick-and-mortar casinos.
Do Nevada online poker rooms share player pools with any other state or country?
Nevada online poker is only offered to players located in the state. 888 and WSOP networked player pools between Delaware and Nevada in March 2015. New Jersey joined in 2018 to create an even bigger player pool. Players located in the three states can compete against each other on WSOP.com.
How do I open an account?
Accounts must be created online. The information provided is run through a database to confirm the identity of the player.
Why does my state not offer regulated online poker?
Most states require legislative action to expand gambling. This includes online poker. It will likely require a bill being passed by both state houses and a signature from the governor for a state to regulate online poker.
When did online poker launch in Nevada?
Online poker in Nevada launched April 30, 2013. This was the date Ultimate Poker went live. WSOP.com launched Sept. 19, 2013. Real Gaming opened in February 2014.
What games are offered at Nevada online poker rooms?
WSOP.com offers Texas Hold ’em, Omaha, Omaha High/Low, Seven Card Stud and Seven Card Stud High/Low.
Real Gaming offers only No Limit Texas Hold ’em.
Can I deposit from outside Nevada?
Real Gaming allows players to deposit from outside Nevada. WSOP.com does not offer this feature.
Can I withdraw from outside Nevada?
Yes, all poker rooms will allow players to withdraw from outside Nevada.
Does Nevada offer online casino games?
No, Nevada only offers online poker at this time.
Are player-to-player transfers allowed?
Player-to-player transfers are not allowed due to fraud and money laundering concerns.
Which Nevada poker site is the largest?
WSOP.com.
Nevada is the heavy hitter when it comes to gambling opportunities, with the wealth spread throughout the state (rather than in one central location like Atlantic City).
Legally, most everything gaming-related is available here. Land-based casinos flourish, offering more slots and table games that all the other 49 states combined. You’ll also find slots at restaurants, gas stations, and even laundromats. Card rooms also can be found dotting the landscape, offering poker and other table games for cash.
Online, you’ll have no problem finding poker sites to gamble on, but the state has forbidden casino games online. Slot players have to settle for social gaming sites and play for fun instead of profit.
Sports betting is also a legal and profitable pastime, with sports books located within established casinos. While there are no active racing tracks with betting in Nevada, you can make pari-mutuel bets on national horse races through sports books. Additionally, most sports books in the state also offer mobile sports betting apps so people can place bets right on their cell phones.
Legal online poker in Nevada
Nevada really only has one legal online poker site – World Series of Poker (WSOP.com). Read our review of WSOP Nevada here, or click below to visit and get $10 free for new players:
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Recent Nevada legal gambling news
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Land-based slots options
Nevada is synonymous with gambling in the minds of most Americans.
From 1931 until 1976 (when New Jersey legalized casinos in Atlantic City), aside from a short period in southern Maryland, Nevada was the only spot for legal gambling in the United States. Overseen by the powerful Nevada Gaming Control Board, gambling is widespread to the point of ubiquity in the state, although it is far more concentrated in the population centers.
As such, slot machines can be found in hotels, standalone casinos, airports, other public buildings, and even grocery stores. In 2016, the state had just under 170,000 slot machines available for play. In Las Vegas alone, there are eight residents per operating slot machine.
Nevada is paradise for the land-based slots player. Obviously, the Las Vegas Strip holds countless options for play, but off-Strip locations can also be fruitful.
In fact, at least one publication ranked the off-Strip casinos as having second loosest slots in the nation, returning 94.54 percent of their wagers.
Interestingly, the off-Strip locations were second in those same rankings to the casinos located in Reno. Reno is the second major gaming destination in the state, and although it doesn’t get the attention of Las Vegas, there are several worthy places to play in northern Nevada, including casinos in Lake Tahoe and Carson City.
Finally, slots players can find options in Laughlin and West Wendover – small towns bordering neighboring states that operate casinos to essentially welcome and inform travelers that they’ve entered Nevada.
Below are the Nevada casinos with the most square footage dedicated to slot machines. Some casinos have clearly chosen to focus on slot play as a greater percentage of their floor space than others. (Note: Casinos on the strip will have “The Strip” as their location; all casinos with a “Las Vegas” location are off-Strip.)
| Property | Slot Machine Square Footage | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Sunset Station | 133,233 | Henderson |
| Santa Fe Station | 130,000 | Las Vegas |
| Orleans | 113,440 | Las Vegas |
| MGM Grand | 111,955 | The Strip |
| Wynn | 110,521 | The Strip |
| Green Valley Ranch | 109,522 | Henderson |
| Bellagio | 103,698 | The Strip |
| Circus Circus – Las Vegas | 100,223 | The Strip |
| Aliante | 100,116 | North Las Vegas |
Las Vegas Online Poker Sites
Online slots options
Las Vegas Online Poker Real Money
Real-money online gambling was legalized in Nevada in 2013 – sort of.
At present, only poker is allowed under Nevada’s AB 114law, and only two licensees are authorized to offer real-money poker to Nevada residents: World Series of Poker (owned by Caesars) and Real Gaming (owned by South Point Poker LLC).
Unfortunately, prospects for further development of internet gambling within Nevada have recently taken a turn for the worse.
Attorney general Adam Laxalt recently joined nine other state attorneys general in signing a letter to Vice President Mike Pence urging the Restoration of America’s Wire Act, which would effectively ban internet gambling on a nationwide basis.
Though Laxalt’s action has been roundly denounced by other prominent politicians, including the governor of Nevada and the chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, it does not bode well for the prospects of advancing online gambling in Nevada – particularly given the large campaign donations that Sheldon Adelson, owner of the Venetian, has made to incoming lawmakers on the basis that they would work to ban online gambling.
Adelson is fearful that online gambling will cannibalize his land-based casino revenue to the extent that he is willing to spend millions of dollars to exert political influence. Although he has yet to be successful, there is worry that President Trump, who has his own land-based casinos and potential motivation to ban online gambling, might be sympathetic to the move proposed by the state attorneys general.
Social casino site options
While there are well-known options for social gaming in every state, Nevada residents are uniquely poised to take advantage of one particular application: MyVegas is an app owned by MGM Mirage.
Free to anyone, it offers the typical social gaming experience one might find on other apps, but with an extremely tempting twist – players can redeem loyalty points, earned entirely through the app and without any purchase, for actual casino comps.
Since the vast majority of the participating partners are located in Las Vegas, Nevada residents stand to benefit more than anyone by playing these games.
MyVegas offers a wide variety of slots games, and the rewards system can be used to get reduced rates or comped meals, reduced or free hotel rooms, reduced or free show tickets, or even wagerable money in its partner casinos.
Las Vegas Monorail tickets and Maverick helicopter rides are also available, and points do not expire. The only limitation is that rewards can only be redeemed once every 90 calendar days (on a rolling basis from the date of last redemption). So Nevada residents, particularly those in the Las Vegas area, have an excellent opportunity to get a lot of bang for their buck, or even bang for no bucks whatsoever.
Operator profile
Station Casinos
Station Casinos is a casino-operating company based in Las Vegas. Its primary shareholders and managers are Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta – two brothers with decades of experience owning and managing casinos.
The company owns and/or operates 21 properties in Nevada, California, and Michigan. Its most recent and notable acquisition was The Palms Casino Resort, which it bought last year from the Maloof brothers.
Nevada Online Poker
Station Casinos is notable for its market focus, which primarily serves the “locals” market in Las Vegas and other smaller Nevada towns. Strip casinos cater to tourists, especially high-rolling whales from the United States and Asia. However, residents of Las Vegas like to gamble too, and would prefer to do so without the glitter and chaos of the mega-resorts.
Although Station Casinos are nice, they cater to a more low-key crowd. Unsurprisingly, larger percentages of Station floors are dedicated to slot machines, which are preferred by patrons stopping in on the way home from work. In fact, as seen in the table above, the top two casinos in terms of slot machine square footage are Station properties.
The Fertittas are also entrepreneurs in other areas of entertainment.
Most notably, they purchased, owned, and recently sold the Ultimate Fighting Championship after building it (and by extension, the sport of mixed martial arts) from unlicensed human cockfighting to the respected and popular sport it is today.
Considering they sold the UFC to WME-IMG for $4 billion after purchasing it 16 years ago for a scant $2 million, it is clear that the brothers have an eye for investment in places where others may fear to tread or simply lack the vision to see.
State legal environment
Can You Play Online Poker In Nevada
| Permitted/Offered? | Notes & Restrictions | |
|---|---|---|
| Land-Based Gambling | Yes | First state in the US to legalize |
| Online Gambling | Yes | Restricted to online poker only |
| Lottery | No | Restriction is largely due to casino lobby; progressive jackpot slot machines function as surrogate lottery |
| Charitable or House-Based Gambling | Yes | Permitted as long as the organizer(s) take no cut of the wagers |
| Minimum Gambling Age | 21; those under 21 are not even allowed inside the casinos, even if accompanied by someone of age | |