Nevada Legalizes Online Poker

Nevada became the first state to legalize online poker today. In a 4-0 vote, the Nevada Gaming Control Board approved online gaming regulations. These regulations will allow licensed operators to offer players within the State of Nevada online poker. While online poker in Nevada became legal today, it will be 4-6 weeks before there are licensed online poker rooms in the state. That is because the licensing process has just begun. As soon as an online poker room receives a license they will be able to offer real money play to Nevada players. Licensed online poker rooms will not be able to accept players from outside Nevada until the federal laws are changed and online poker is regulated on a federal level.

Six companies have applied for an online gaming license in Nevada. These companies are International Game Technology (IGT), Bally Technologies, ShuffleMaster, 888 Holdings, Cantor Gaming and South Point Poker. IGT is a slot manufacturer that also owns the online poker network Entraction. Bally Technology is a slot manufacturer. ShuffleMaster manufactures shuffle machines and slots. 888 Holdings is an online gaming company that hosts the World Series of Poker’s real money site. Cantor Gaming is a Nevada sports book that already offers mobile horse and sports wagering. South Point Poker is owned by local’s casino South Point which already offers a play money online poker room.

The minimum age for players will be 21. There are also regulations that address underage gambling, problem gambling, fraud and identity theft. There are also technical protocols that must be followed including keeping all of the data transfers within the state. Nevada already has legalized internet and mobile sports betting. Online poker will expand on the existing online gaming in Nevada.