Updated last: August 13, 2018
Creating and using an online poker account in Nevada
Does a list exist of licensed online poker rooms in Nevada to choose from?
Here, the Nevada Gaming Commission maintains a list of operational online poker rooms as well as a list of approved license holders including operators and service providers.
At present, Nevada has just two operating online poker rooms:
- WSOP.com
- South Point hosts Real Gaming
Who is eligible to create an online poker account in Nevada?
Those who are above 21 years old and currently located in Nevada are qualified to join the state’s real-money online poker games. Although individuals outside Nevada can sign up on an online poker site, they are not permitted to play for real money.
Prospective players are required to successfully complete a Know Your Customer (KYC) check, which combines ID and geolocation verification.
Are there any online poker rooms in Nevada that offer play-money games?
Yes.
All online poker rooms in Nevada, including some providers that have not yet begun real-money operations, will provide a version of their software for play-money. This differs from real-money games in that players worldwide can create an account and join in at the play money tables.
Besides age and location, are there any other restrictions that could prevent me from playing online poker for real money in Nevada?
Yes, besides being at least 21 years old and situated within Nevada’s boundaries, there are also several other limitations:
You are required to have a clean record with the Nevada Gaming Commission.
You are not eligible to be a high-ranking employee at any online poker site.
You are not eligible to work for the NGC, NGCB, or hold an elected office in Nevada.
What are the steps to set up an online poker account in Nevada?
The process of setting up an account at a Nevada online poker room is relatively straightforward.
Begin by creating an account at the online poker room. This involves completing an online form with basic details like your name, address, and date of birth – much like any online transaction you would make at a retail store.
The second step of the process necessitates passing a Know Your Customer (KYC) check from the website. This involves verifying your identity and location, as well as confirming your eligibility to take part in online poker games in Nevada.
Depositing money into your account is the final step in the process.
What details do Nevada’s online poker sites require to confirm my account?
Typically, an internet poker provider only requires basic information from a player, including their name, address, date of birth, and phone number.
Player verification firm, CAMS, states that most verification checks can be validated using just a name and address. However, the majority of online poker providers in Nevada typically demand more information.
Furthermore, if a player’s KYC check returns as denied or unverifiable, they may need to provide additional proof of their identity, like their driver’s license or social security number.
What does player verification mean?
The process of player verification is utilized by online poker rooms, through a licensed third-party vendor, to ensure your identity is accurate and you meet the necessary criteria to engage in Nevada’s online poker games.
Methods of player verification can vary, including public sources for age and ID verification, credit bureaus, and phone verification services like texting a PIN.
What does geolocation verification mean?
The verification of geolocation enables online poker rooms to identify your location either through your IP address or by tracking the location of your mobile device. If you’re in Nevada, online poker rooms must confirm your current location to ensure you’re within the state.
Geolocation service providers, similar to KYC checks, must be licensed in Nevada.
Which games can one play at online poker sites in Nevada?
A multitude of poker games are offered on WSOP.com, including various cash game versions of:
- Hold’em with and without limits
- Omaha and Omaha hi-lo in pot-limit and limit formats
- Stud Limit and Hi-Lo Stud
The betting range for these games is between $.01/$.02. However, the higher stakes are rarely active and no-limit Hold’em stakes that exceed $1/$2 are not frequently played outside of the summer, when the player pool increases during the World Series of Poker. Despite offering this range, the site doesn’t often see higher stakes games.
WSOP.com additionally provides a variety of Sit N’ Gos and MTTs. The SNGs come in regular format, as well as turbos and super turbos. The MTTs mainly comprise of no-limit Hold’em, but also include a decent number of PLO events.
At present, Nevada and Delaware share online poker players through a compact. New Jersey also became part of this compact, leading WSOP.com to start merging its Nevada and New Jersey players from May 1, 2018.
Due to player pooling, WSOP.com has become the biggest regulated online poker site in the United States. Consequently, the game selection has greatly improved compared to the time when players from New Jersey were absent from the tables.
Does Nevada have any future plans to include casino games?
Currently, Nevada is concentrating on online poker, but the inclusion of casino games may be possible in the future.
Online casino games are offered without incident in both New Jersey and Delaware. Recently, Pennsylvania also legalized online casinos.
Banking options
What are the available deposit options in Nevada?
The following options are available to online poker players in Nevada:
- Cards for credit
- Cards for debit
- Transfers via ACH/Bank
- In-person at a partnered physical casino
- Checks made of paper
- Neteller
- PayPal
- PayNearMe at 7-11
Remember that not all sites will offer these options. They may approve new choices such as online payment processors in the future. You can view the deposit and withdrawal options for each site by going to their website and clicking on one of their deposit/banking links.
Despite legalization, it should also be considered that some banks and credit card providers are still refusing online gambling transactions.
What is the duration for the verification and acceptance of my deposit?
The completion of this process could take as little as a minute, such as with credit card transactions, or as long as a week, such as when mailing a paper check, depending on the method used.
What are the available withdrawal options in Nevada?
To make a withdrawal from your online gaming account, you first need to fulfill any requirements stipulated by the site, like clearing a deposit bonus. Once done, you can choose your preferred withdrawal method from the options listed on your account page.
Another alternative is to personally ask for a withdrawal at the casino’s cashier cage.
Similar to deposit methods, not all sites may offer certain methods.
What is the duration to receive a withdrawal from an online poker room in Nevada?
The duration of withdrawal times depends on the method selected. If you request a cashout at an affiliated casino, it will be processed instantly. However, bank transfers and checks may take between two to seven days to complete.
Oversight and regulation
Is it safe to use online poker sites in Nevada?
The Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) and the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) oversee all licensed online poker rooms in the state. These sites are subject to frequent, thorough audits and they are required to regularly provide data on everything from player account balances to their Random Number Generator (RNG) and security processes.
Where can I find the rules that regulate online poker in Nevada?
You can find the rules and details about both regulatory authorities (NGC and the NGCB) at www.gaming.NV.gov.
Navigating the website is easy, as it features drop-down menus on virtually any topic imaginable.
What does an operator license mean?
A license for operation in Nevada permits the holder to operate and maintain an online poker room within the state.
What does a service provider license mean?
In Nevada, a service provider license encompasses a broad range of services, including online poker software providers, geolocation, and financial companies. Nevada also offers several categories of service provider licenses.
Does a list exist of the companies that have received online gaming licenses in Nevada?
Indeed, a comprehensive list of firms licensed to offer online gaming services in Nevada can be discovered on the NV.gov website. The lists are categorized accordingly.
Responsible gambling
Is it possible for me to be banned from an online poker site in Nevada?
Yes.
Just like in live casinos, you could be banned from playing online poker in Nevada if you are found cheating or violating the rules in any way.
Can I self-exclude myself if I have a gambling addiction?
Yes.
The website Gaming.NV.gov provides players with the option to self-exclude themselves. More resources about problem gambling can be found on this site.
Is it possible for me to lodge a complaint against an online poker site with regulatory authorities?
Yes.
You can file an online complaint via the nv.gov website. The form is available here.