For a long time, Nevada has been recognized as the hub of the poker world. The World Series of Poker, which has been taking place in Las Vegas for the last 48 years, is an annual event. Furthermore, some of the world’s highest stakes and most active poker games are hosted by Las Vegas casinos.
Naturally, Nevada, known for its gambling industry, would be among the few states to legalize online poker, which it did in 2013.
While online poker rooms in the state are open to residents and visitors, the market isn’t vast. In 2015, the state entered into a player pool agreement with Delaware. However, the player count in that state is still relatively small. In May 2018, New Jersey became a part of the Nevada player pool.
Nonetheless, Nevada offers legal and regulated online poker, providing players with a full range of benefits. These include entry into major live events such as the WSOP, a growing range of large guaranteed tournaments, and a thriving low-to-mid stakes cash game scene that operates 24/7.
Why is online poker legal in Nevada?
In December 2011, a legal opinion was released by the US Department of Justice indicating that the Federal Wire Act was only applicable to sports betting. This green-lighted states to commence online lottery ticket sales and progress with the creation of legislation for the regulation and taxation of online gambling operators.
On February 25, 2013, online gambling was legalized and regulated in Nevada after lawmakers signed AB 114 into law. This bill essentially allowed for the distribution of online poker operator licenses within the state.
Several sportsbooks in Nevada provide online betting via sports betting apps but the state has not yet approved any website to offer online casino games.
Where can you play online poker in Nevada?
Ultimate Poker, a subsidiary of the Station Casinos group, was the first online poker room to launch in Nevada. However, it has since discontinued operations. Since then, two additional online poker sites have started operating in the state, with only one currently still in operation.
WSOP.com, the digital platform for the World Series of Poker, is still in operation. However, Real Gaming Online Poker, an online poker service owned and managed by the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa, stopped functioning in 2016.
Every year, WSOP.com’s online satellite program, which provides entry into some of the World Series of Poker’s major events including the WSOP Main Event, has been experiencing an increase in numbers due to its increasingly robust offerings.
The World Series of Poker provides players with the opportunity to secure a WSOP bracelet by participating in online poker tournaments. These tournaments are accessible to players residing in Nevada and New Jersey. In the 2018 World Series of Poker season, four such events took place.
According to PokerScout, the player pool from Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey collectively averages around 200 cash game players, making it the biggest legal online poker platform in the U.S.