When you hear Nevada, most people immediately think of Las Vegas. Not only is this state known as America’s gambling hub, but its rich history is intertwined with finding fortune. While traditional gambling has always been at the forefront in Nevada, the state has been innovative, too, offering immersive experiences in the form of online gambling. This article explores the state’s gambling laws, history, and how people choose to gamble in Nevada.

The History of Gambling in Nevada

It might come as a surprise, but Nevada has not always been the gambling center it is today, and forget finding a forum to play poker online. Considering gambling was outlawed between 1910 and 1931, it took several decades afterward to establish its cult-like status. During the Great Depression, America was gripped by economic decline, but the state slowly decriminalized the pastime, leading to an economic boom.

This ushered in the modern era of casino gambling. One would naturally assume that Las Vegas was the first city to adopt gambling, but it was Reno. While casino bosses were testing the waters, the pastime quickly attracted people from all walks of life, notably the rich and famous. However,  it was not long before Las Vegas would take the strip to the next level and show the world how gambling is done right. A significant drawcard has always been the neon lights and towering casino resorts like the MGM Grand. However, the city started small with blackjack and Russian roulette. These games quickly gained popularity, so much so that they are still enjoyed today.

By the 60s, Las Vegas had grown exponentially, with casinos on every corner. This was the era when the strip as we know it today was formed. During this time, some of the most famous casino resorts appeared. At the same time, gambling regulations also had a massive cultural impact. The ratification of the Nevada Gaming Control Act in 1959 allowed for the industry to expand and develop its regulatory bodies.

Current Gambling Laws

Everything is regulated today, so it is always advisable to monitor gambling laws since they change rapidly. Here are some pivotal gambling laws to consider in 2024.

Legal Age of Gambling

• In the United States, you are considered an adult at 21. So, for this reason, you can only gamble in this state once you reach this age.

Casino Gambling

• Casino gambling remains one of the key factors that drives Nevada’s gambling laws. Since casinos offer a range of games, from slot machines to poker, the Nevada Gaming Control Board and Commission regulates all these systems and games. The idea is for the NGCBC to closely monitor fairness and integrity.

Sports Betting

• This has become a phenomenon worldwide, but Nevada has truly embraced sports betting, and in 2024 and beyond, the industry will continue to thrive. Players can now legally place bets on several sports at licensed sportsbooks. Additionally, this form of gambling has made the industry more accessible.

Poker

• There has been no significant update to traditional or online poker; however, note that the Nevada Gaming Control Board and Commission regulate both. This includes bingo and any other table games, too.

Mobile Gambling

• It is legal to gamble online in this state. This has not changed and has been welcomed by players and casino bosses alike. However, there are regulations to keep in mind when playing via mobile. For example, sports wagers can be made using mobile devices with licensed operators, and the players must live in Nevada.  

MGM: The Gambling Pros

MGM Resort Casinos have been at the forefront of gambling since they were established decades ago. Not only do they stand as a titan, but they have also contributed to Nevada’s popularity as the leading gambling destination. Their portfolio includes several properties that have shaped Las Vegas in particular.  

How Do People Gamble in Nevada?

It is always interesting to look at gambling trends, specifically how people choose to gamble. While some prefer the traditional setting, others have embraced technology for its convenience and accessibility.

Sports Betting Dominance

• There is no denying how well-received sports betting has been, particularly online sports betting. It has steadily increased over time and is now dominating the industry. Since it is easily accessible, people can place bets at any moment. This has become so popular that BetMGM’s Nevada app has been updated to offer sports fans incredible enhancements and new features.

Poker

• Poker never left the scene but underwent considerable changes, such as incorporating online poker and live tournaments. As one of the oldest forms of gambling, poker has renewed interest, especially in Nevada. With events like the World Series of Poker, enthusiasts are coming out in numbers to support and, hopefully, compete too.

Online and Mobile Games

• Studies show that the online gambling market is expected to grow to $103.74 billion by 2028. Trends indicate this form of gambling is so popular because social gaming and friendly regulators make it popular not only in Nevada but across the globe.  

Follow the Law and Enjoy the Games

The highly regulated gambling industry has evolved into a dynamic landscape in 2024. For Nevada in particular, the state has grown exponentially since the advent of casinos, and knowing the factors that govern gambling laws makes for a far more enjoyable experience, whether you’re a poker master, Russian Roulette wizard, or slots fan.

When you visit Vegas, it can feel as though the whole trip should focus on gambling. However, as with any activity, this might quickly diminish your enthusiasm for it. Ordinarily, that might not be such a problem as it just means you’ll come back to it when you’re interested again, but when you’ve booked a whole trip to Vegas, this balancing act becomes something that you might want to think a bit more carefully about, especially when it comes to online casinos.

Online casinos offer players a more convenient way than ever before of interacting with the various gambling games available, but does that clash with the physical setting of Vegas?

Identifying the Right Time

So, in that case, you might be interested in using online casinos sparingly, ensuring that you’re not overdoing them. The journey to Vegas itself might make for a good opportunity to do this, provided that you don’t live within walking distance. Having a long train journey or flight to get through before you arrive can give you an ideal opportunity to visit the Stellar Spins online casino, and if you’re new to the field at large, can give you a sense of the games you enjoy and the ones that you don’t.

However, it’s worth being aware that some games can provide completely different experiences based on whether you’re enjoying them digitally or physically, making online casinos a completely different side of the coin.

Taking Breaks

When you’re completely surrounded by gambling, the idea of taking breaks can feel unrealistic, especially when you’ve gone there specifically with the idea of embracing the spirit of Vegas. However, that might be creating an unhealthy relationship with this activity, something that could potentially risk ruining it if you don’t balance it effectively.

Therefore, while not taking any breaks from online casinos or physical gambling could risk overexposing you to your hobby, it could also risk developing an unhealthy dynamic with it, putting your health at stake.

In this case, it might be best to develop some practices that can allow you to remind yourself to take regular breaks. If you are visiting an online casino while you’re traveling, for instance, mixing it up by just looking away from your screen and out the window for a while can have the added benefit of giving your eyes a break from screens.

Is There More to Vegas?

Beneath all this is another question—what else is there to do in Vegas? While you (and potentially your friends) might be visiting Vegas because of its reputation for being the mecca of gambling, it’s a whole city, and there’s so more to do than this. Even if you don’t manage to identify anything that appeals to you outside this bracket in the city itself, there’s the landscape to explore around you—the desert locale of Nevada providing you with some sublime and scenic views that might help you to gain a greater appreciation of the natural side of the area.

Las Vegas is a city that’s gained worldwide fame for its various entertainment options, but not everyone is aware that there’s more to this city in Nevada than meets the eye. The following are some of the interesting activities you could carry out in and around Vegas but might not have heard of before now.

See the View from the Highest Observation Tower in the Country
Fremont Street is one of the liveliest areas of the city, as many tourists come here to check out the live entertainment options and the spectacular evening light show, among other things. However, you might not realize that this area also contains the country’s tallest free-standing observation tower and the chance to see Las Vegas from a completely different point of view. The Strat Hotel has a tower that stands 1,149-foot tall, with both indoor and outdoor observation decks. You get spectacular views of Las Vegas during the day or at night from levels 108 and 109 of this giant building. The outdoor area even offers incredible thrill rides like the Big Shot and Insanity, to get your pulse racing as you enjoy an unforgettable view of the city from above.

Play Lesser-Known Games

Baccarat is a good example of a classic table game that hasn’t traditionally been as widely-played in the US as in Europe. Some historians believe that the history of baccarat can be traced back to 14th century Italy, but it only reached Vegas in the 1950s, when Francis “Tommy” Renzoni brought it here via Cuba. In recent years, it has become extremely popular with American players and can be found easily in the majority of Nevada’s casinos, with stakes typically starting at $10.

The 21st century has seen an explosion in the popularity of baccarat, both in Vegas casinos and worldwide. Part of the reason for this is that it can be found on many international sites. For example, the best sites for online baccarat in India in 2022 include Dafabet, 22Bet, and 1XBet. These casinos include a number of baccarat titles along with other classic table games such as blackjack and roulette. These also offer welcome bonuses such as 100% extra on the first plus 30 spins. Each of the operators they recommend has a complete, exhaustive review on the site by the professionals. Getting to experience lesser-known casino games can add an extra layer to the entertainment, whether you’re playing in-person or online.

Get an Illuminating View of the City’s History

Vegas has been world-famous since the 1950s, although the first casinos started to appear two decades earlier. The total of eight million visitors in 1954 reveals that it had already become a magnet for fun-seekers, and part of the appeal of this city has always been the gorgeous neon signs that have lit up its night sky over the years. Of course, these signs get changed from time to time, but where do the discarded signs end up going after they get switched off for the last time? The answer can be found at The Neon Museum. This fascinating attraction includes The Main Boneyard, where visitors can look over more than 200 classic signs from Vegas’ rich history dating back to the very first hotels and casinos from the 1930s. Tourists can buy tickets for special shows like Brilliant, where a 45-minute light show brings more than 40 of these discarded signs back to life, together with a soundtrack that adds to the atmosphere.

Explore the Wonders of Nature

A trip to Vegas can be about more than bright lights and great shows. The city’s location in Nevada also makes it convenient for anyone who wants to get out and get closer to nature while here. For example, the Red Rock Canyon is 17 miles from Vegas and SUV tours can be organized easily in the city. This is also a perfect spot for hiking, camping, or learning about the area in the Visitor Center. The Grand Canyon is further from Vegas, but the West Rim can be reached in about three hours by bus. Some visitors choose to take a helicopter tour of this natural wonder, while for others it’s the perfect choice for a day trip by bus. You might consider the chance to see two billion years’ worth of Earth’s geological history and one of the most iconic spots in the US is just too good to miss, no matter how exciting you find the other things to do in Vegas.

By understanding the alternative attractions available in Las Vegas, you can enjoy a highly-varied trip where you see interesting sights and discover something new into the bargain.