Las Vegas Gambling Laws – Glamour in Las Vegas, NV
In this article, you will learn valuable information about the Las Vegas gambling laws. Visitors and players must follow the laws in Vegas even if they are some of the weirdest rules you can ever hear. Learn about the history of the Vegas gambling laws, which gambling games are legal, and more.
The gambling laws in Las Vegas have covered the main gambling games and locations in the state. Read how old players have to be to enter and play at a casino, and the size of the winners’ tax players must pay upon getting a prize over $600. Since we will discuss Las Vegas gambling laws, we can’t skip mentioning a few of the weird laws in Sin City. Even though we all read those rules just for laughs, keep in mind that some of them can really get you in trouble.
If you know the essentials of the gambling regulations in Vegas, use the element below to jump to the relevant section of our article. We also have prepared a gambling laws Las Vegas Q&A section, where you can find answers to popular questions our readers asked.
Gambling Laws in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Even though most of the states in the USA are quite conservative when it comes to casino and gambling entertainment, the gambling laws in Las Vegas have put the state way ahead of everyone else. With some of the latest changes in the gambling laws that came into power as of 2020, casino-style gambling became legal in the entire state. This makes Nevada and Louisiana the only two states with such liberty and following all USA federal gambling laws.
According to the Las Vegas gambling laws and regulations, “gambling, dealing, operating, carrying on, or exposing for play any game, or operating inter-casino linked systems are legal”. Since the glamorous Las Vegas is in Nevada, all US gambling laws apply in every possible way. We have prepared a list of the main gambling laws that apply in all states and are base for Nevada’s gambling legislation:
| ⚖️ Nevada Gambling Laws | ✔️ Other Laws Related to Gambling |
|---|---|
| 🌐 The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) | 💸 Illegal Money Transmitting Business Act of 1992 |
| 🏈 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 | 💼 Illegal Gambling Business Act of 1970 |
| 🔥 The Wire Wager Act of 1961 | 😎 Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act of 1970 |
| 💰 Interstate Wagering Amendment of 1994 | 🗺️ Travel Act of 1961 |
| 🐏 Nevada Gaming Control Act | 🚛 Transportation of Gambling Devices Act of 1951 |
The first Vegas gambling laws came to power in 1931 and allowed the establishment of the first casinos. Ever since then, the Nevada gambling laws have constantly changed, improved, and upgraded to modern times. Knowing the gambling laws is important, but it may take a lot of time to get familiar with all of them. That is why we summarized essential information in the next paragraphs.
Las Vegas Gambling Age
As you know by now, the Las Vegas gambling laws are not so different from the gambling laws in the rest of the states. The drinking and gambling age in Vegas is 21 like everywhere else. Our article will be useful if you wish to learn more about the Las Vegas gambling age. Alongside gambling, drinking, and trafficking laws, Las Vegas’ legislation is one of the strictest about drug possession.
Winner’s Taxes in Las Vegas, NV
According to the Nevada gambling laws, all players who win on roulette, poker, blackjack, lottery, and every other game of chance or luck are obligated to pay winners’ tax. All casinos are obligated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to withhold 25%-30% federal taxes for prizes over $600 or more and at least 300 times the bet size. If the wins are from slots or bingo, the reported amount is $1200, while prizes from keno are reported after $1500.
In Nevada, gambling losses also can be good news because players can claim losses as an itemized deduction. All they have to do is present some kind of documentation to the IRS to substantiate the nature of the losses and the exact amount. The only limitation is that players can’t claim gambling losses that exceed their gambling winnings.
Weird Laws in Las Vegas – Life Beyond Gambling
Las Vegas is all about fun and profits. Here, you can meet anyone from professional gamblers to common people who came to roll the dice a few times. There are many rules and regulations you should know besides the gambling laws in Las Vegas and Nevada. Here are some examples of weird situations that can get you in trouble while you have fun:
- 🔍 “Finders Keepers” of casino chips is alright, but mining chips will get you in trouble.
- 💏 Moustache Kiss: Men who have mustaches are forbidden from kissing women.
- 🐪 No Camels on the Highway: unless your camel can run with 100 miles per hour, keep it off the highway.
- 🕊️ Don’t Feed Pigeons: pigeons are considered a pest, so feeding them is prohibited.
- ⛓️ Ban on Slave Ownerships: in Nevada, it is illegal to own a slave. Find another job before reminding this your boss.
The examples above may seem impossible to happen, but they result from real cases in Las Vegas courts. We recommend that you have the time of your life in Vegas, but don’t overdo it. Visitors who intend to play at a casino should know the Las Vegas gambling laws and regulations.
Las Vegas Gambling Authority
Since gambling is the main reason most people go to Vegas, there is no wonder why the luckiest and most skillful players enter the list of the richest gamblers. Gaming control is the side of the gaming world players rarely think about, but it makes gambling entertainment and great prizes possible. In this section of our article, we will introduce the gambling commission controlling Las Vegas and the entire gaming industry in Nevada.
Nevada Gaming Commission & Nevada Gaming Control Board
Las Vegas gambling laws and regulations are the same as the Nevada gambling laws. That makes the Nevada Gaming Commission & Nevada Gaming Control Board the main authorities managing the gaming and gambling-related matters in Sin City. The Nevada Gaming Commission controls and issues all gaming licenses work permits, implements the state and federal laws, and follows the recommendations and observations of the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
The Nevada Gaming Commission (aka “Commission”) was created in 1959 by the passage of the Gaming Control Act (aka “Act”). The Commission has five members appointed by Nevada Governor with four-year terms and one member appointed as a Chairman. The entire commission decides which application for a license is approved, extended, limited, denied, revoked, or suspended.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board monitors the gaming activity and makes suggestions for changes in existing licenses. The Board also investigates and reports for illegal gambling activities and violations. The results of the investigations are delivered to the Commission and, in many cases, to the local judicial authorities when the criminal laws have been violated.
Gambling Crimes in Las Vegas
We all have fun watching Ocean’s Eleven (2001), and the rest of the gambling movies where casinos are being robbed, and skilful players win with their last card or dice roll. Even though it seems fun, we strongly recommend players to avoid cheating or theft, or they may get in trouble with the law or be taken for “a walk in the desert”.
Whenever Las Vegas gambling laws or criminal laws are violated, the situation is investigated by the local authorities and the Board. When there are serious crimes, even the FBI experts and the federal court might get involved. The IRS jumps into the picture when winners or operators skip paying their taxes diligently. The punishment varies depending on the severity of the crime and the violator, but the sentence might be a fine, jail time, or both.
Las Vegas Casinos & Legal Games
Vegas gambling laws are why Sin City visitors enjoy countless entertainments. There is no exaggeration in that statement because once you open the Las Vegas Strip Map, and you will see dozens of casinos, entertainment centers, malls, galleries, and fun activities. Since the casinos are the main attraction, it is important to know the top gaming locations on the Strip.
Top Las Vegas Strip Casinos & Online Casinos
Las Vegas gambling laws and regulations allow gambling locations to work 24/7 and offer casino, table, slots, sports betting, and more games. Visiting MGM Grand, Bellagio, Venetian, Luxor, and the rest of the Las Vegas Strip casinos is a guarantee for an unforgettable time. Each of those locations has a unique atmosphere, and players can meet in a COVID-19 safe environment.
The smaller Vegas gambling rooms are also worth visiting because the experience there is completely different. Even though there is no tribal casino in the city, players and tourists can still visit the Native American casinos in Nevada state: the Moapa Paiute Travel Plaza, the Wa She Shu Casino & Travel Plaza, or the Avi Resort & Casino.
The latest gambling laws Las Vegas and Nevada state adopted state that online gambling in Nevada is legal. Players can access licensed and regulated online gambling sites and play 24/7 from the comfort of their own homes. The abundance of games and easy access make this form of gaming preferred by many players.
Follow our advice and check if your chosen operator meets the requirements of the Nevada state gambling laws. If you are curious about offshore gaming sites, then our online gambling laws worldwide article might be of use.
Legal Games in Las Vegas, Nevada
As we already mentioned, the Vegas gambling laws allow a vast range of games you can try at the local casinos in Las Vegas. We will summarize the games you can and can’t play in this state, and we are sure that you will be in for a surprise. Here are the permitted and banned gambling entertainments in Las Vegas, NV.
Caution must always be observed, so before you hit the casinos, check the latest updates of the Las Vegas gambling laws. This way, you will know the limits of having fun and how to play safe. Players may perform additional research and find out what tournaments and big prize games will be held during the time of your visit to Las Vegas.
Problem Gambling in Las Vegas
The Las Vegas gambling laws don’t have a special section referring to problem gambling. Despite that, there are many organizations where players with addiction can find help. Most of the time, people are unsure if they have a problem or are ashamed to admit their gambling addiction. That is where the Gambling Addiction Hotline is the first step to recovery. Remember that it is best to speak with someone before it is too late.
Las Vegas Gambling Laws Q&A
The Las Vegas gambling laws are the same as the Nevada state gambling laws. Even so, we dedicated an entire article to make clear what you can and can’t do in Sin City. Here, we have gathered and answered popular questions regarding gambling and laws in Las Vegas. If the summarized answers are not enough, follow the link that will lead you to more information.
