Despite online boom, Nevada keeps requiring in-person sports betting registration
State regulators cling to traditional rule even as mobile bets surge
Nevada remains the only major state requiring in-person registration for mobile sports betting accounts—even as most other U.S. jurisdictions allow online sign-ups. While mobile wagering now makes up roughly 74 % of monthly bets in the state, bettors must still visit a casino to place their first two in-person wagers and activate their account.
Betting boom, but national market shrinks Vegas’ edge
Nevada sportsbooks set revenue records for four straight years, posting $482 million in 2024 and $225 million through May. Nationally, sports betting hit $13.7 billion in revenue last year, growing 25 % year-over-year. As sports wagering becomes legal in nearly 40 states—including leaders like New Jersey and New York—Nevada’s share of national wagers has decreased.
When Nevada’s sportsbooks took $151 million in Super Bowl bets earlier this year, they were outpaced by New Jersey ($168 million) and New York ($155 million).
Why the in-person rule remains
- Regulatory inertia: Analysts say it’s unlikely Nevada will change course. Casinos oppose remote signup, fearing it benefits national platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel.
- Level playing field: The policy helps smaller, independent sportsbooks on the Strip stay competitive. In fact, plans are underway for Boomer’s Sportsbook—Nevada’s first non-casino operator—to launch later this year.
- Industry stance: Major operators like MGM and Caesars support remote registration in other states but haven’t pushed for changes in Nevada, where the in-person rule levels the competitive field.
Why this matters
- Consumer convenience: Nevadans are increasingly betting via smartphones, yet still face the hurdle of registering in person.
- Economic fairness: The new federal tax law limits deductibility on gambling losses, and Nevada leaders are pushing to reverse it, citing potential impacts on tourism and jobs.
What’s ahead
- Policy stasis: No change in the in-person registration rule appears forthcoming.
- New players: Independent operators plan to enter the market under current rules.
Tax fight: Nevada officials are lobbying Washington to ease the new federal gambling tax limit.
Category: State News
Subcategory: Casinos & Gaming
Date: 07/24/2025
