Nevada Sports Betting: Best Legal NV Sportsbooks 2025

Nevada sports betting updates

Long before SCOTUS overturned PASPA in 2018, Nevada had monopolized the gambling industry in part by legalizing sports betting in 1949. Since then, the Silver State has remained a hub of sports wagering in the U.S. and now offers a blueprint for other states to follow. This timeline illustrates the genesis of Nevada sports gambling and the current state of affairs.

Read below for a detailed timeline of Nevada's sports betting industry:

July 2, 2025: The Las Vegas Convention and Visitor Authority (LVCVA) believes year-over-year Sin City visits should drop 1.16% during the July 4th holiday weekend.

July 2, 2025: The Old West-themed casino south of Las Vegas is shutting its doors as Affinity Gaming, the casino’s parent company, confirmed Buffalo Bill’s Resort will close on July 7 due to economic turmoil.

July 1, 2025: Resorts World Las Vegas appointed Tom McMahon as senior vice-president of slot operations and marketing, bringing 17 years of working directly with casino brands like Vegas Sands Corp. and Wynn Resorts.

June 30, 2025: Nevada's online and retail sports betting operators hauled in $46.8 million in revenue from a $576.7 million handle, a 30% increase year-over-year.

June 27, 2025: Off-Strip casino venue Rio Hotel & Casino is relaunching its player rewards program as part of a $350 million property-wide transformation in Las Vegas.

June 27, 2025: MGM Resorts International was downgraded to "Market Perform" from "Outperform" by investment services company Citizens JMP, which cited a worse-than-expected Las Vegas market weakness for its decision.

June 25, 2025: Years after running William Hill sportsbooks, Joe Asher hopes to launch a new Nevada sportsbook by football season. 

June 24, 2025: Despite fierce backlash and years of delays, the MLB's Athletics have broken ground on a new stadium on the Las Vegas Strip, aiming for an Opening Day debut in 2028.

June 23, 2025: Resorts World Las Vegas (RWLV) is eliminating all resort fees of $50 per night for hotel guests until September 11th, stating that it wanted to offer families a trouble-free summer vacation.

June 20, 2025: A Nevada bettor wagered $350 on a 15-game MLB moneyline parlay that was reduced to 12 games due to three rainouts, but still won it, raking in just over $555k.

June 19, 2025: The Las Vegas City Council said no to a controversial plan to build the "Jackson Hotel and Harlem Nights Casino" and high-rise condominium complex in Vegas' Historic Westside. 

June 16, 2025: Gaming technology companies IGT and Everi’s anticipated $6.3 billion merger is even closer to completion after Nevada's Gaming Control Board gave its first approval to the merger with a unanimous vote last Wednesday. 

June 12, 2025: The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) came down in a major way on horse trainer Ricardo Castillo after a major drug bust found several horses tested positive for banned substances.

June 11, 2025: Circa Resort and Casino to host the "largest slot party" in Las Vegas, an event that will feature $15K tournament prizes, $5K raffles, and an open bar party.

June 6, 2025: A division of Crypto.com on Tuesday filed a federal lawsuit against Nevada’s gaming regulators, accusing the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) of improperly shutting down part of the platform’s business while others were allowed to continue offering sports markets.

June 3, 2025: Social media users have been slamming rising Las Vegas strip hotel hospitality fees, in particular early check-in hidden fees.

June 3, 2025: An Indiana gambler hit a rare royal flush at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Nevada, winning a $128,774 jackpot instantly.

May 28, 2025: BetMGM agreed to a partnership with the Las Vegas Aces, becoming the reigning WNBA champions' online casino and sportsbook partner.

May 28, 2025: Despite a continuing downward trend in total gaming revenue in Nevada, sports betting enjoyed a 38.6% year-over-year profit growth in April. 

May 22, 2025: Circa Sports unveiled that the popular and growing Circa Survivor Pro Football Contest comes with a $15 million guarantee, with signups beginning Friday at Circa properties in Nevada. 

May 20, 2025: U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Gordon said he'd move quickly on the Nevada Resort Association's (NRA) May 14 motion to intervene in the ongoing legal battle between prediction market Kalshi and the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB).

May 19, 2025: The Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas unveiled a modern Baccarat Room as part of its ongoing transformation plan. 

May 19, 2025: Wynn Resorts in Nevada faces a proposed $5.5 million fine for unlicensed international money transfer violations.

May 12, 2025: The Las Vegas Grand Prix officially partnered with Ellis Island Hotel, Casino & Brewery, a shift in their relationship following a contentious legal fight after the 2023 event.

May 7, 2025: There's a new hotel proposal near Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas (home of the Raiders) which would include 220 rooms, rooftop pool, spa, sushi bar, and event amenities.

May 7, 2025: Wynn Macau, Wynn Palace, Las Vegas operations, and Encore Boston Harbor all saw revenue decline during the quarter. At Wynn Palace, revenue fell by 8.7% while Wynn Macau saw revenue drop 19.9%. 

April 30, 2025: Nevada's top sportsbooks had their highest handle in the past 16 months, but casinos suffered a sluggish start in 2025 and their poorest March since 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic reached its peak. 

April 29, 2025: The Nevada Gaming Control Board reported an $859.5-million handle in March, a 9.4% increase from March 2024 and the largest handle in the last 16 months.

April 25, 2025: With Wynn Las Vegas celebrating its 20th anniversary, here are 20 moments that define 20 years of the world renowned resort.

April 25, 2025: Wynn Las Vegas recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with a party for all and a sweet bonus for employees who have been with the company since opening.

April 24, 2025: The live stage version of popular TV game show Wheel of Fortune is set to launch in Las Vegas in July, to kick off a planned 60-city tour of the United States and it'll be hosted by Mark L. Walberg.

April 17, 2025: WrestleMania 41 is expected to bring in $215 million for the Las Vegas economy, as it draws attention to Las Vegas' growing status as a world-class international sports and entertainment capital.

April 11, 2025: The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has voted to recommend that a horse trainer face a $5,000 fine and have his license revoked for five years following a positive test for cocaine in a winning race last August.

April 10, 2025: Nevada’s Senate unanimously approved SB 256 Monday. The bill significantly increases penalties for illegal online gambling operators, including sweepstakes casino providers.

April 9, 2025: A judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada partially granted Kalshi's request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against local gaming watchdogs seeking to curtail the prediction market's operations in the state.

April 8, 2025: A Nevada sports bettor dropped a $5.6k bet on the Rockets to take home their 3rd ever NBA title, with a potentially massive $700,000 payout thanks to their longshot +12500 odds at the time of betting.

April 7, 2025: Casino operators in Nevada and New Jersey, two of the most mature legalized gambling markets in the US, are warning that the buying and selling of sports-related event contracts could deal a blow to their local slots and table game-supported economies.

April 3, 2025: Global casino supplier International Game Technology (IGT) revealed its Wheel of Fortune brand of casino-style games will debut in Las Vegas at the Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino for its Wheel of Fortune Video Poker game. 

April 3, 2025: The Oakland Athletics' relocation to Las Vegas moved forward considerably this week as the Clark County Commission voted unanimously to issue permits for the team's proposed new baseball stadium. 

April 1, 2025: Las Vegas experienced a 12% dip in its tourism figures in February, with the city experiencing a sharp year-over-year contrast to the record-breaking impact of hosting Super Bowl LVIII in 2024.

March 31, 2025: The Nevada Gaming Control Board reported a monthly $604.8 million handle, down 15% from Feb. 2024, when Las Vegas hosted the NFL’s Super Bowl for the first time. 

March 31, 2025: Kalshi, the prediction market platform that offers sports-event contracts recently filed a lawsuit, seeking injunctive relief from cease-and-desist orders by Nevada and New Jersey's regulator bodies.

March 27, 2025: Penske Media Corporation, owner of Rolling Stone and other celebrity media brands, is a leading contender to buy Las Vegas' Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino. 

March 27, 2025: A guest visiting Circa Resort & Casino in downtown Las Vegas hit the win of a lifetime after wagering just $2 on a slot machine, taking home over $1 million dollars.

March 24, 2025: The legendary rock band 'KISS' announced its return to the stage with a special "unmasked" live show Nov. 14-16 at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. The performance will be their first live show since their "End of the Road" farewell tour ended in Dec. 2023.

March 24, 2025: A demolition crew plans to tear down the rotunda at Caesars Palace, a Roman-themed building constructed in 1986 and Las Vegas strip landmark, after decades of service and over 10 years vacant.

March 21, 2025: March Madness has made Las Vegas a jam-packed center of sports, entertainment, and high-stakes betting with thousands of hoops fans pouring onto the Strip to watch NCAA Tournament action.

March 21, 2025: Resorts World Las Vegas (RWLV) will be fined $10.5 million in connection with a lawsuit brought by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB). This resolves serious charges that the property enabled illegal gaming activity linked to individuals with criminal backgrounds.

March 20, 2025: Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino announces partnership with the Las Vegas Aces ahead of the 2025 WNBA season. 

March 20, 2025: A Nevada bettors puts $100K on Duke to win the 2025 March Madness tournament, with the potential payout earning $460K. 

March 15, 2025: Nevada's recently introduced Senate Bill 256 aims to increase penalties for sweepstakes and illegal online gambling providers within the state. 

March 13, 2025: Caesars Entertainment and TV personality Lisa Vanderpump are expanding their collaboration, launching The Vanderpump Hotel, a unique boutique hotel that debuts on the Las Vegas Strip.

March 6, 2025: Formula One’s Las Vegas Grand Prix created an economic impact of $934 million in the Southern Nevada region last year, but it failed to match the 2023 race’s figure, which was down 38%.

March 5, 2025: Nevada send a cease-and-desist to Kalshi, becoming the first state to officially take action against the prediction market platform. 

Feb. 27, 2025: The Nevada Gaming Control Board reported $72.6 million in revenue, a 12.1% rise from $64.7 million in January 2024 and up 384% month-over-month. Sportsbooks generated a $797-million handle in the last month, ending a run of four consecutive months with a year-over-year handle decrease. 

Feb. 18, 2025: A courageous Nevada bettor has wagered $1,000 on the Las Vegas Raiders to win Super Bowl LX at odds of +12500.

Feb. 12, 2025: The Backstreet Boys will become the first of its genre to take the stage at Sphere Las Vegas, with a nine-show run scheduled for July 11-27.

Feb. 11, 2025: Nevada sportsbooks earn a new Super Bowl record for the amount won during the 2025 Big Game, hauling in a $151.6 million handle. 

Feb. 7, 2025: Scott Pritchard, a Las Vegas professional sports bettor and Las Vegas Review-Journal contributor, could be in for a major $220k payday. Earlier in the season, he wagered $4k on a +5500 Chiefs-over-Eagles Super Bowl 59 exacta ticket.

Jan. 30, 2025: Las Vegas Sands reported its Q4 2024 results and fiscal year revenue. Q4 net income was down by 0.7% compared to 2023, falling from $2.91 billion to $2.89 billion.

Jan. 30, 2025: Nevada sportsbooks lost $2.1 million on football wagers in December, which was the first time local operators lost during an NFL season since November 2012. 

Jan. 27, 2025: President Donald Trump capped his first week back in office with a trip to Circa Resort & Casino in Las Vegas to discuss cutting taxes on tips, one of his 2024 campaign promises.

Jan. 13, 2025: Las Vegas Sands reaches a $1 billion agreement Singapore's tourism board to expand it's flagship property on the island state. 

Jan. 13, 2025: Betfred exits Nevada, leaving Pennsylvania as the only U.S. state where the operator is currently live in. 

Jan. 9, 2025: Nevada's sports betting revenue soars in November, increasing 64% annually after bringing in a reported $67.5 million. 

Jan. 8, 2025: Music icon Lenny Kravitz is booked for a second Las Vegas residency at Park MGM beginning in August 2025. 

Jan. 6, 2025: Whiskey Pete's Hotel and Casino, an iconic Nevada casino that debuted 48 years ago, abruptly shuts its doors without any definite plans to reopen.

Dec. 19, 2024: Sphere Las Vegas sets gross revenue record in 2024, bringing in a reported $420.5 million in concert revenue.

Dec. 16, 2024: Several prominent members of the NBA and team owners are becoming increasingly convinced that Las Vegas will be awarded a franchise.

Dec. 9, 2024: Rampart Casino launches multiplayer app for Nevada players, allowing bettors to enjoy 5-card draw poker on their mobile devices.

Dec. 4, 2024: A run of NFL favorites winning in October led to Nevada's 57% year-over-year revenue decline.

Dec. 3, 2024: Resorts World Las Vegas has until December 9th to respond to a 12-count complaint the NGCB released. It states that there have been multiple instances of failure to comply with anti-money laundering provisions.

Dec. 3, 2024: Resorts World Las Vegas experienced its worst financial quarter in two years, with revenues dropping from $218M in Q2 to $177M in Q3, down $41M.

Nov. 26, 2024: Several Nevada sportsbooks earn a record handle from F1's Las Vegas Grand Prix, including BetMGM and Station Sports. 

Nov. 12, 2024: Tourism officials and local businesses are working to drive traffic from the upcoming Nov. 21-24 Formula 1 race in Las Vegas to downtown and the Southern strip areas.

Oct. 29, 2024: The Nevada Gaming Board reported a huge football September led to record revenue of $80.9M, besting the previous mark of $72 million in November 2021.

Oct. 15, 2024: A Sphere Entertainment venue is coming to Abu Dhabi, which will mirror the 20,000-capcity venue currently in Las Vegas. 

Oct. 9, 2024: Las Vegas bids farewell to the historic 'Tropicana Las Vegas' hotel, the third-oldest casino on the strip. It was demolished to make way for a new stadium for the Major League Baseball's Oakland Athletics.

Sept. 27, 2024: Circa CEO offers to pay UNLV quarterback $100,00 amidst NIL dispute. 

Sept. 26, 2024: Nevada's sports betting revenue rises 39% year-over-year in August, bringing in $25 million for the month. 

Sept. 25, 2024: International Game Technology will unveil new Wheel of Fortune games at next month's Global Gaming Expo. 

Sept. 25, 2024: Nevada regulators aim to deny banned players the right to receive jackpot winnings. 

Sept. 19, 2024: A Nevada congresswoman suggests the SAFE bet act will face detractors in Congress.

Aug. 28, 2024: Nevada's monthly handle drop below $400 million for the first time since 2020. 

Aug. 15, 2024: Nevada regulars target Resorts World for Ohtani interpreter scandal ties for allegedly violating its operator responsibilities. 

July 31, 2024: Nevada's sports betting revenue jumps 214% year-over-year despite the state's continued handle drop.

June 27, 2024: The Nevada Gaming Control Board reports a May Nevada sports betting handle of $515.1 million.

June 19, 2024: The Federal Trade Commission has filed a petition in the U.S. District Court of Nevada for information on the MGM cyberattacks last fall. 

June 7, 2024: The Fontainebleau Vegas eyes expansion as developer Jeffrey Soffer purchases $112.5 million in land for the new luxury hotel and casino resort. 

May 29, 2024: Nevada experiences its second consecutive month of year-over-year decline, seeing a 4.8% decrease in revenue from 2023. 

May 27, 2024: The World Series of Poker launches a new online platform and creates a three-state summer series between Michigan, New Jersey, and Nevada. 

May 16, 2024: Sunset Station launches the STN Sportsbook in Las Vegas. The newly remodeled betting site promises "a bold new design, over-the-top visuals, and a massive audiovisual experience" for bettors. 

May 16, 2024: Nevada' icon Mirage hotel and casino will close its doors after 34 years. 

April 26, 2024: Nevada's March NCAA revenue plummets YoY after the betting favorites cruise in the 2024 tournaments. 

March 28, 2024: Nevada sees a 16% YoY sports betting revenue increase in February, bringing in $47.9 million. 

Feb. 29, 2024: Football fuels Nevada's 28% YoY sports betting revenue increase in January, accounting for $38.5 million of the total $354.5 million earned. 

Feb. 16, 2024: NBA Commissioner Adam Silvers maintains that Las Vegas is on NBA's expansion team list if the league were to add another franchise.

Feb. 13, 2024: Nevada sets new Super Bowl record with $185M handle after hosting the NFL's premier event for the first time. 

Feb. 7, 2024: BetMGM revealed its newly designed app for Nevada sports betting ahead of the Super Bowl. 

Feb. 2, 2024: Las Vegas hotel prices soar to new heights for the upcoming Super Bowl, as accommodations are expected to be 30-40% higher compared to last year's Super Bowl in Arizona. 

Jan. 31, 2024: Nevada's sports betting handle falls in December to $843.5 million, which is a 5% year-by-year decrease. 

Jan. 30, 2024: Nevada bettors can expect Taylor Swift-free wagering for Super Bowl LVIII, as Silver State sportsbooks are not expected to offer props involving the pop mega-star. 

Oct. 24, 2023: B2B technology firm GAN set to launch its sportsbook platform in Nevada.

April 21, 2023: The Nevada Gaming Commission will modify or eliminate 24 Nevada sports betting regulations without bearing on consumers.

March 28, 2023: The Nevada Gaming Control Board reports a month-over-month and year-over-year decline of $659.4 million in sports wagering handle for the month of February.

Feb. 28, 2023: Nevada's January sportsbook handle falls short of the monthly record set in January 2022.

Feb. 14, 2023: Nevada sportsbooks suffer betting handle decline during Super Bowl LVII, taking in $153.2 million in wagers.

Feb. 9, 2023: Betfred launches a retail sportsbook in Nevada just in time for the Super Bowl. 

Jan. 27, 2023: Betfred receives its Nevada sports betting license following approval from the state's gaming commission.

Jan. 3, 2023: Revenue from legal Nevada sports betting dropped significantly in November 2022. 

Jan. 18, 2023: After nearly two years, Betfred's application for a sportsbook at the Mohegan Casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas will be reviewed in a special meeting by the NGCB on Jan. 25 and 26.

Jan. 3, 2023: Revenue from legal Nevada sports betting dropped significantly in November 2022. 

Nov. 30, 2022: Sports betting revenue in Nevada topped $50 million in October. 

Oct. 24, 2022: The Nevada Esports Technical Advisory Committee unanimously approved Nevada’s first esports betting competitions regulations. Next, the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) and Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) will conduct public hearings before a vote is taken.

Sept. 29, 2022: In light of the settlement between the Nevada Gaming Commission and William Hill, state regulators believe they are sending a firm message to other sportsbooks that reporting delays won't be tolerated and that harsh penalties could befall those who ignore the warning.

Sept. 22, 2022: The Nevada Gaming Commission fines William Hill $100,000 for a series of infractions concerning deficiencies with the sportsbook's betting system.

Aug. 30, 2022: Nevada's sports betting handle in July takes a significant drop — falling by double digits for the second-straight month.

Jul. 28, 2022: With its June handle of $490.5 million, Nevada becomes the second U.S. state (New Jersey) to surpass $25 billion in total handle since PASPA was overturned in 2018.

May 27, 2022: Nevada saw its sports betting handle hit a monthly record in April, reaching $582.5 million. 

May 2, 2022: March Madness gave the Nevada sports betting handle a nice lift for March but missed out on hitting the billion-dollar mark.

April 28, 2022: Las Vegas hosts the 2022 NFL Draft, which sees Travon Walker taken first overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

April 19, 2022: Circa Sports announces it will expand its Nevada operations to include a brand new sportsbook at Legends Bay Casino in Sparks. The casino expects to open this summer. 

Jan. 20, 2022: The Nevada Gaming Commission approves remote registration for casino accounts only. Momentum to allow sports bettors to sign-up remotely could be building, however, as Nevada is one of only two states (Illinois) to require in-person sportsbook registration.

Dec. 16, 2021: Nevada inches toward remote registration as The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) recommends sports bettors be permitted to sign up from anywhere in the state. The Nevada Gaming Commission will consider the proposal on Jan. 20, 2022.

Nov. 30, 2021: Nevada's sportsbooks registered $1.1 billion in wagers during the month of October — the first time the state's monthly handle has hit that mark.

Nov. 2021: Caesars and Red Rock Resorts announce plans for new Nevada sports betting platforms for 2022, igniting hopes that they may allow for remote registration.

Oct. 2021: DraftKings announces it will open a new office in Las Vegas, hoping to bring over 1,000 employees to the state by 2022.

April 2021: Caesars acquires William Hill for approximately $4 billion.

March 2021: Nevada introduces SB 165, the first step towards creating an official commission governing esports in the state.

Jan. 2020: Despite its first full year of competition, Nevada sets record highs in both sports betting handle ($5.3 billion) and revenue ($329.1 million).

May 2018: SCOTUS overturns the Appeals Court decision, ruling that PASPA is unconstitutional.

Feb. 2013: Assembly Bill 114 is approved, allowing Nevada to enter pacts with other states to offer internet-based poker, and other similar items.

March 2011: The state introduces AB 258, which amends the Interactive Gaming Legislation introduced in 2001 to establish a complete framework for the regulation of interactive gaming.

June 2001: Internet gaming, or interactive gaming, is introduced in Nevada.

Oct. 1992: The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) is passed, prohibiting states from offering any form of gambling on professional or amateur sports. Nevada, however, is exempt from this law, getting ‘grandfathered’ out of the legislation.

1975: Nevada Legislature authorizes race and sports betting to be offered in casinos.

1959: The state passes the Gaming Control Act, establishing the Nevada Gaming Commission, whose role is to act upon the recommendations of the Gaming Control Board and be the final judge of gaming licensing issues.

1955: Nevada State Legislature creates the Gaming Control Board as the state’s economy becomes more and more dependent on gaming.

1949: Sports gambling is legalized in Nevada, and the state begins allowing betting at ‘turf clubs,’ which are independent of casinos.

1945: Nevada Legislature shifts licensing authority from the local and county level to the state.

1931: Governor Fred Balzar signs AB 98 into law, which legalizes casino gambling in Nevada.

Why BetMGM is the best sportsbook in Nevada

While many of the larger operators are not present in the list of Nevada betting sites, BetMGM is our top option for bettors due to its great range of sports markets, user-friendly layout, and reliable platform.

BetMGM has many features that new and experienced bettors will find appealing: live betting, live streaming, early cash out, and same-game parlays. The availability of 24/7 live customer support is a plus, and the intuitive mobile sports betting app comes highly recommended. 

Use our exclusive BetMGM bonus code 'COVERS250' to get started with 'The King of Sportsbooks' today.

Unlike other states where BetMGM operates, there is no mobile or desktop access in Nevada, meaning you must visit one of the following 10 BetMGM retail sportsbook locations in Las Vegas to wager with the operator: 

• MGM Grand 
• Park MGM 
• Bellagio
• The Cosmopolitan
• Mandalay Bay 
• ARIA 
• Luxor
• New York, New York
• The Mirage
• Exacalibur

If you are an existing bettor who is visiting Nevada, here is how you can begin playing with BetMGM: 

Online sportsbooks and sports betting apps in Nevada

BetMGM Nevada

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A betting partner of the Las Vegas Raiders, BetMGM boasts a great mobile sports betting app, extensive market coverage, and a dependable platform. Live betting and 24/7 customer support make this a must-have account for Nevada sports bettors. 

Read our expert BetMGM bonus code review and use code 'COVERS250' when you download the BetMGM app today.

• App Store rating: N/A 
• Payout speed: 2-8 days

Caesars Nevada

Top-Notch Customer Support

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The Caesars Entertainment-backed sports betting operator boasts an exceptional mobile app, elite customer support, and one of the Silver State's most lucrative reward programs. 

Read our Caesars Sportsbook Review for an in-depth analysis of one of Nevada's best mobile sportsbooks.

• App Store rating: 4.6 (iOS); 4.4 (Android)
• Payout speed: 1-5 days

Wynn Sports Nevada

User-Friendy Interface

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Wynn Sports is exclusively a mobile sportsbook with solid customer support, promotions galore, and a wide range of banking options. The sports betting app has a professional feel that leads to a professional and uncomplicated experience.

• App Store rating: 3.0 (iOS)
• Payout speed: Instant (in-person only at Wynn Las Vegas Race & Sports Book)

Is sports betting legal in Nevada?

Yes, Nevada sports betting has been legal since 1949. Despite its long history in the gambling industry, Nevada only recently ended its monopoly on sports betting.

In 1992, the introduction of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) prohibited all state-sanctioned or state-run gambling operations, but it made an exception for states that already had existing sports betting programs, which included Nevada, in addition to Oregon, Delaware, and Montana.

The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) overturned PASPA in 2018, allowing Nevada to face competition in the sports betting industry. Nevertheless, Nevada has maintained its position as one of the leading states in sports betting.

To stay updated on the legal status of sports betting in other states, you can use our U.S. legal tracker.

Latest Nevada betting news

Who can bet on sports in Nevada?

Though you must gain approval in person for online betting, the Silver State has over 50 land-based sportsbooks for bettors to visit, many of which are located in Las Vegas. As long as you are 21 years or older and within state lines, you can begin placing sports bets even if you aren’t a resident.

Here's a brief overview of the Nevada sports betting landscape:

The pros and cons of Nevada sports betting

Despite there now being plenty of competition for Nevada across the country, the Silver State remains one of the premier destinations for sports bettors. There are countless Nevada sportsbooks – retail and mobile – offered throughout the state, meaning the toughest decision for players will be discovering which legal sportsbook presents the best promotions and odds.

The future of sports betting in Nevada may be connected to mobile sports betting apps, and should the state ever amend its rules requiring bettors to visit retail locations to be approved for online wagering, it could take another significant step forward.

Few actual restrictions for sports bettors

Lots of Nevada sportsbooks 

Ample mobile sportsbook promotions

Gaming license requirement limits online poker and daily fantasy sports

Must visit a retail sportsbook to register for online betting

Few local professional sports teams

How to start betting in Nevada

Nevada bettors can wager online or at one of the best sportsbooks in Las Vegas. In either case, gamblers must travel to one of the Silver State's numerous land-based sportsbooks to either place a physical bet or register for remote wagering, which can be done afterward on a mobile device. Both options accept several payment methods and offer a plethora of betting opportunities.

Nevada sports betting handle

Sports betting in Nevada remains as popular as almost anywhere else in the U.S. In 2019, the Silver State set a then-record $5.3 billion in total sports betting handle, which New Jersey usurped in 2020. Although the COVID-19 pandemic brought down Nevada’s 2020 handle, it did manage to have its second-biggest month at the time in October of that year, raking in $659.8 million.

In 2021, Nevada rebounded and surpassed its previous year’s total sports betting handle. October 2021 proved its most lucrative month ever (then tied by December 2021 and January 2022), as its $1.1 billion handle was bested only by the $1.3 billion taken in by New Jersey's sportsbooks. Here's a look at how much money Nevada generates from sports betting every year:

Yearly breakdown

Monthly handle

What you can't bet on in Nevada

While Nevada offers a slew of sports betting options, from college basketball to ping pong, not everything is legal for NV sportsbooks to take bets on. Here's a look at what Silver State bettors cannot access legally:

Entertainment award ceremonies

Betting lines for celebrity-laden events and awards shows are not available in Nevada, as is the case with most U.S. states.

Politics

The Nevada Gaming Control Board does not allow wagering on politics. In fact, no U.S. state has legalized betting on politics.

What about esports?

Esports betting sites are legal in Nevada. State regulators have allowed for straight bets on esports since 2017, and in that same year clarified via a new bill that pari-mutuel wagering is permitted on esports as well. The Silver State is also the first to create an official commission governing esports, with its introduction of SB 165 in March 2021.

What about college sports?

Betting on college sports is legal in Nevada. The state lifted a long-standing ban on wagering on collegiate sports in 2001 and passed Assembly Bill 254 in 2021 to allow college athletes the rights to their names, images, and likenesses.

Legal sportsbooks in Nevada

Nevada sports bettors may place wagers online via sportsbook websites or sports betting apps once they have received in-person approval. Legal sports betting can also be done at physical sportsbooks located within casinos and racetracks.

There are over 100 locations in Nevada to make a deposit for the William Hill app alone. So it is important to note that the list of retail partners for legal sports betting here is not necessarily exhaustive. 

Online and mobile Nevada sportsbooks

Land-based Nevada sportsbooks

There are far too many retail sportsbooks in Las Vegas alone to list here. As such, we've chosen to focus on those that lead the pack, in our opinion.

Home team advantage: Nevada sports

Although the excitement for Nevada’s growing number of professional sports teams can be alluring, we suggest you do your research before blindly backing any of these hometown favorites. Our how to bet guides are a valuable resource for new bettors.

NHL

Vegas Golden Knights

Get live NHL odds

NBA

Los Angeles Lakers

Get live NBA odds

NFL

Las Vegas Raiders

Get live NFL odds

MLB

Los Angeles Dodgers

Get live MLB odds

Formula One came to Las Vegas on Nov. 16-18, 2023, marking the first time in more than 40 years that the sport has been held in the city. The best F1 betting sites is here to keep you in the fast lane, and our 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix odds page ensured you got the best price on your picks. 

Las Vegas has been the mecca of combat sports for decades. Use the country's best UFC betting sites to get the top odds on UFC Fight Night and UFC 313. Additionally, the top boxing betting sites allow you to back fighters you can cheer on as passionately as your hometown teams.

Other types of gambling

Nevada is home to traditional casino gambling online and in person. In conjunction with sports betting, games like blackjack, baccarat, video poker, and slot machines are available at both types of NV casinos.

Quick facts: Nevada sports betting

Nevada is the pioneer of legalized sports betting in the U.S., operating in the landscape for almost 75 years. The Silver State continues to be one of the country's most important and successful markets in 2025.

Below outlines the critical facts related to NV sports betting:

Responsible gaming in Nevada

Legal U.S. sports betting markets

Sports wagering legislation on a state-by-state basis has created several legal betting markets. In addition to Nevada, the following jurisdictions have — or will soon have — legalized sports gambling:

Recent legal U.S. sports betting launches

North Carolina sports betting was launched on March 11, 2024, officially. The state is currently accepting registration with FanDuel, Fanatics Sportsbook, bet365, and more. 

On Jan. 11, 2024, Vermont sports betting officially took effect, with FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics Sportsbook accepting wagers. 

Hard Rock Bet began accepting wagers again on Dec. 5, 2023, signaling the return of Florida sports betting.

Maine sports betting arrived on Nov. 3, 2023, with legal online sports betting via Caesars and DraftKings, as well as in-person wagering at state tribe casinos.

Legal Kentucky sports betting arrived with retail sportsbooks opening their doors on Sept. 7, 2023, while online and mobile wagering arrived on Sept. 28.  

Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets

Those living in Nevada — where legal sports wagering has long been legal — may find it tough to believe there are still states moving toward legal sports betting, but there are plenty.

Here's a list of states which may potentially offer legal sports gambling soon:

Nevada sports betting conclusion

Nevada sports betting is still restricted because the Gaming Commission has yet to approve remote registration for online sportsbooks. On the whole, Nevada sportsbooks in land-based casinos reign supreme and act as the gateway for sports betting activity. 

The Silver State is a highly competitive landscape for sports bettors and cements itself as a preferred destination for gambling of all types.