Recently, a range of sports betting topics were discussed at a meeting held by the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
In addition to giving William Hill the green light to run more sportsbooks in Nevada, it also clarified some technicalities in gaming definitions.
While the primary topics were discussed, a few more items that could potentially affect Nevada sports bettors in the immediate and unpredictable future were also brought up.
Updating gaming definitions
The Nevada Gaming Control Board has introduced official definitions for terms such as “amateur sport or athletic event”, “governing body”, “professional sport or athletic event” and “virtual event”. Additionally, the board has revised the definitions for “call center system”, “communications technology”, “operator of a call center” and “sports pool”.
In the immediate future, sports bettors in Nevada won’t be affected by the updating of definitions. However, as time passes, these revised terms will assist gaming regulators in determining the events that sports bettors can participate in. This may potentially result in a greater variety and quantity of betting opportunities for sports bettors.
No online enrollment for sports betting apps
The state of Nevada was the first to legally offer mobile sports betting in NV.
In Nevada, customers wanting to bet on sports using a mobile device are required to establish an account in person at a terrestrial casino. Following the account setup, certain sportsbook operators offer the possibility of replenishing the account through a mobile device.
This method enables operators of physical casinos to maintain visits from potential new customers who wager on mobile platforms.
Despite the potential increased demand to register for mobile sports betting in Nevada due to online convenience, some casino operators are keen on maintaining the influx of potential customers to their casinos.
Casino operators favoring the traditional in-person account registration will rejoice as the Nevada Gaming Control Board rejected online mobile account setup. The business implications of this decision remain uncertain. However, it undeniably reduces convenience for customers who prefer placing bets at their own convenience.
New Jersey became the pioneer state to permit online enrollment for sports betting. In November 2018, over 70 percent of all sports bets in the state were made online, either through a desktop computer or a mobile device.
The success of online sports betting in New Jersey persisted through December. This trend positions New Jersey for success in a society that relies on their mobile devices more than ever.
Nevada does not distinguish between mobile and on-site betting. Therefore, it’s not as straightforward to determine the exact proportion of mobile versus in-person sports betting as it is in New Jersey. According to unofficial reports, mobile sports betting ranges from 25 percent to over 50 percent for sportsbook operators in Nevada.
The likely future discussion by casino operators about the benefits of customers setting up a sports wagering account online in New Jersey is foreseen.
Interstate gaming approved
The Nevada Gaming Commission has taken proactive steps in anticipation of possible changes in federal laws that might permit betting across state lines. This move could potentially benefit casino operators, making it simpler for them to attract new customers who wish to place bets in Nevada from other states in the future.
There is currently no indication that US law will permit this in the near future. However, this information could be beneficial for casino and sportsbook operators as they strategize for potential interstate gaming in the years ahead.
