Is Poker legal in Nevada? Online & Live Poker Laws in NV
In Las Vegas for the World Series of Poker? Vacationing with the family in Mesquite? On the Las Vegas Strip for a friend’s bachelor party?
If you are an avid poker player and have found yourself doing any of these things, chances are you’ve found yourself wondering if Nevada poker is legal.
Here at PokerNews, we know that many of our readers (and staff members) want to know how to play live poker in Nevada, and if they can play online poker legally when they're in Las Vegas for the World Series of Poker.
The answer is yes, you can! And, in this article, we’re going to tell you how.
Is Poker Legal in Nevada?
Yes, you can play both online and live poker legally in Nevada. The state has offered regulated online poker since 2013, and it’s home to some of the most iconic live poker rooms in the world.
Online poker in Nevada is powered by WSOP.com, the only licensed operator in the state. Players can compete in cash games, Sit & Gos, and multi-table tournaments—including official WSOP bracelet events. Thanks to Nevada’s membership in the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), players on WSOP.com also share player pools with Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania—resulting in larger tournaments and more consistent cash game traffic.
Nevada also remains the undisputed home of live poker, with dozens of poker rooms in Las Vegas alone. From daily tournaments to high-stakes cash games, you’ll find action at top venues like Aria, Bellagio, Wynn, and Resorts World.
Whether you prefer to play online or take a seat at the felt, Nevada offers one of the best poker experiences anywhere in the U.S.
Can I Play Online Poker in Nevada?
Nevada was one of the first states to legalize and regulate online poker, and it remains a key part of the U.S. legal poker landscape. At present, WSOP.com is the only online poker site licensed to operate in the state. Whilst that might seem limiting, WSOP.com offers one of the most complete experiences available anywhere in the country, as we'll explain shortly.
WSOP.com in Nevada is fully regulated by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) and offers a wide range of games, including No-Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, Sit & Gos, and multi-table tournaments. The platform also supports fast-fold variants and mobile play via iOS and Android apps.
Now, here's where it get's interesting. Thanks to Nevada’s participation in the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), WSOP.com NV shares its player pool with New Jersey,Michigan, and Pennsylvania. This means players in Nevada benefit from larger tournament prize pools, more active cash games, and a stronger overall poker ecosystem.
WSOP.com also hosts online bracelet events each year, giving Nevada players a shot at winning official WSOP gold without leaving home. New players can usually claim welcome bonuses like deposit matches and tournament ticket packages, and the site runs regular promotions tied to live WSOP events in Las Vegas.
Can I Play Live Poker in Nevada?
Yes, live poker is legal in Nevada and, what's more is, it’s a central part of the state’s gaming identity. Nevada is home to more than 50 licensed poker rooms, most of which are located in Las Vegas, the live poker capital of the U.S.
All live poker venues are regulated by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB), ensuring that games are run fairly and securely in accordance with strict state laws.
Whether you're looking for low-stakes recreational games or high-stakes action against professionals, Nevada has a poker room for you. From daily tournaments and 24/7 cash games to iconic venues like Bellagio, Aria, and Wynn, players will find a deep and trusted live poker ecosystem that’s open year-round.
We'll give you more info on the best live poker rooms in Nevada later in this article.
Nevada Gambling Laws - Current Situation
Nevada is the original home of regulated poker in the United States and continues to set the standard for both live and online play.
The state legalized online poker in 2013, becoming the first in the country to do so under Assembly Bill 114. Today, all legal online poker activity is regulated by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB), which enforces strict rules around licensing, fairness, and player protection.
Currently, WSOP.com is essentially the only legal online poker site operating in the state.
But it is part of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), allowing Nevada players to compete against opponents from New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. This shared liquidity dramatically increases traffic, tournament prize pools, and the overall quality of the online poker experience.
On the live side, poker is thriving. Dozens of poker rooms operate legally across Nevada, especially in Las Vegas, ranging from small local venues to world-renowned rooms like Bellagio, Aria, and Wynn.
All live poker rooms are licensed and regulated by the NGCB, which ensures games are run fairly, dealers are certified, and financial operations comply with both state and federal standards.
Unlike other states, Nevada does not currently permit online casino games: only poker and sports betting are allowed. This carveout is largely intended to protect the state’s powerful land-based casino industry, which continues to be a major driver of the local economy.
Tax on Poker in Nevada
One of the biggest advantages of playing poker in Nevada is that your live or online poker winnings are not taxed at the state level. However, federal tax obligations still apply, especially for US citizens and residents.
If you're a US resident, and you win more than $5,000 in a single poker tournament (after subtracting the buy-in), the operator is required to withhold 24% for federal taxes and issue you a W-2G tax form. Even if you don’t hit the $5,000 threshold, you're still required to report all gambling income on your annual tax return. You can also deduct gambling losses, but only if you itemize and only up to the amount of your total winnings.
For non-US residents, the tax situation can vary. In most cases, the IRS will withhold 30% of any tournament winnings above the reporting threshold, unless your home country has a tax treaty with the US that provides an exemption or reduced rate. If you’re a non-resident, you may need to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to reclaim withheld funds.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional regarding your personal tax affairs.
Responsible Gambling in Nevada
Poker is a game of skill and entertainment. But like any form of gambling, it’s important to play responsibly. In Nevada, all licensed casinos and online poker operators are required by law to offer responsible gaming tools and resources to help players stay in control.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) oversees responsible gambling measures across the state. Online platforms like WSOP.com provide features such as deposit limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion options that players can activate directly from their accounts. These tools are designed to support healthy playing habits and prevent problem gambling before it starts.
For those who need additional support, Nevada offers several free and confidential resources. Need help? Call the 24/7 confidential helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Nevada
- Online Poker is allowed
- Online Poker is legal since Apr 1, 2013
- Bill AB114
- Live Poker is allowed
- Sports Betting is allowed
- Online Casino is forbidden
History of Legal Online Poker in Nevada
The state of Nevada passed its first gaming law back in 1931. That law, called the Nevada Gaming Control Act, is still in effect today and sets the framework for gambling in the state.
One of the key aspects of the act is that it allows for any type of casino gambling that is not specifically prohibited. This includes games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and craps, as well as slot machines and video poker.
But, it also includes sports betting, off-track wagering, and pari-mutuel racing. This has been a boon for the state's casinos, which receive a significant portion of their profits from games that fall under the "other gaming" category.
Additionally, according to NRS 463.0177, no person can conduct or assist in conducting an unauthorized game. Another subsection states that only the state and its political subdivisions may own, operate, or otherwise control gambling devices as well as games such as blackjack and roulette played with cards and dice.
Any other form of gaming is considered prohibited without expressed consent from the Nevada Gaming Commission.
2011: "Black Friday" in Poker
The legality of online poker in the U.S. has been an evolving issue since 2011’s Black Friday, when the U.S. Department of Justice seized hundreds of millions of dollars in player funds and effectively shut down the online poker market in America.
That decision shook the poker industry to its core and the effects of Black Friday are still felt to this day. Since then, the first question any poker player in the U.S. must ask before even thinking about playing online poker is whether it is legal to do so where they are located.
Nevada online poker is no different in that regard, and it's important to know which online poker sites are trusted.
Black Friday was the result of the enactment of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA), which prohibits banks from processing payments to and from online gambling sites. The law created a de facto ban on online poker in the U.S., as it was nearly impossible for players to make deposits or withdrawals without using a third-party payment processor.
The legality of online poker in Nevada specifically has been a topic of debate for many years. Proponents of the game argue that poker is a game of skill, and that as such, it should be exempt from the UIGEA.
Detractors claim that poker is a game of chance, and as such, should be considered a form of online gambling, which is illegal under the UIGEA.
Nevada Legalizes Online Poker With Assembly Bill 114
The federal action on Black Friday put the onus on states to pass laws regulating online poker. In 2013, the Nevada Legislature passed Assembly Bill 114, a bill legalizing online poker in Nevada absent of federal action.
Fortunately for poker players in Nevada, the state’s gaming authorities have taken a lenient stance on the game. In 2012, the Nevada Gaming Commission issued a ruling that declared poker to be a game of skill, and as such, not subject to the provisions of the UIGEA.
The bill, signed into law by then-Gov. Brian Sandoval, also allowed Nevada to enter compact with other states with legalized online gambling, including New Jersey and Delaware.
As a result, in 2013, Nevada became the first U.S. state to offer legal online poker.
Regulated Online Poker
Playing poker online in Nevada is 100% legal and regulated by the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
The 2013 law gave the Nevada Gaming Control Board the ability to grant licenses to interactive gaming operators, and paved the way to regulate online poker. To legalize online poker, Nevada lawmakers handed out a handful of licenses for online gaming.
Only two sites are currently licensed by the Gaming Commission: WSOP.com, owned by Caesars Interactive Entertainment, Inc., and Real Gaming, owned by South Point Poker LLC.
In summary, it is legal to play online poker in Nevada. But, it is only legal to do so on a regulated online poker site, which leaves players with only one option: wsop.com. We'll explain now why having just that one site isn't as bad as it sounds.
Play Legal Real Money Poker in Nevada
When it comes to poker, Nevada sets the benchmark. The state offers a wealth of live poker rooms, specially in Las Vegas, but when it comes to online poker there's a slightly different story. Let us explain...
Whilst Nevada did once have more than one online poker site (Real Gaming, operated by South Point Casino, which has been dormant for several years and is no longer available to players), currently WSOP.com is the sole regulated online poker site in the state.
So, let's dig into the WSOP site in a bit more detail.
WSOP.com
WSOP.com, which boasts the title of “America’s largest online legal poker room,”, as aforementioned, is the only current legal online poker site for players in Las Vegas and the state of Nevada!
The online poker platform allows players to compete against a player pool filled with users in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan, and offers real money cash games and tournaments at various stakes and in various formats.
Like other legal poker sites across the world, WSOP.com Nevada online poker sites are regulated and safe (in Nevada's case, by the Nevada Gaming Commission), offering you a safe and trusted gaming experience.
Play Safe Online Poker on WSOP.com
World Series of Poker Online Events
Did you know you can compete in online bracelet events for a chance at poker's biggest price: a coveted World Series of Poker bracelet
If you've ever thought about competing in these online bracelet tournaments or online circuit events and play for poker's ultimate prize in online poker tournaments, WSOP.com is the only one of the Nevada poker sites offering you the chance to do so.
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is the most famous poker brand in the world, outshining the likes of the World Poker Tour (WPT) and European Poker Tour (EPT) as the place where poker's best of the best test their strengths.
Simply put, for Nevada online poker, WSOP.com where it's at. Either start at the small stakes, or jump straight into the action to play that first online bracelet event. Perhaps you'll be poker's next world champion?
Joining WSOP NV is not hard to do.
To play on WSOP.com in Nevada, poker players must be physically located in the state and “meet all geo-location requirements”. However, poker players may access their accounts or add funds from outside of Nevada.
WSOP.com operates on user-friendly software developed and used by 888Poker and is available on both PC and Mac as well as other iOS and android devices. It should come as no surprise that it's widely considered the ultimate poker room in Nevada and boasts top poker software.
The site offers a wide variety of poker variants, including Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and 7-Card Stud, as well as Sit & Go's and multi-table tournaments. The buy-ins for tournaments on WSOP.com vary from just $1 up to $25,000 with guaranteed prize pools which are often surpassed.
WSOP.com is easily accessible through its homepage, Mac and PC users can download the client in just a few simple steps.
Play Legal Live Poker in Nevada
Nevada remains the epicenter of live poker in the United States, offering players a world-class selection of card rooms, especially in Las Vegas and Reno.
Horseshoe & Paris Las Vegas – The New Home of the WSOP
Since 2022, Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas have served as the official home of the World Series of Poker (WSOP), bringing poker’s most prestigious tournament series right to the heart of the Strip. For many players, competing at the WSOP is a lifelong dream. And now, it unfolds amid the glitz and energy of the Las Vegas Strip.
The combined venue offers a streamlined and elevated experience, with hundreds of tables spread between the two connected properties. Paris typically handles early flights and satellite events, while Horseshoe hosts final tables and feature action. This setup has transformed the WSOP into a true bucket-list experience, surrounded by world-class hotels, restaurants, and nightlife.
During the WSOP, both venues also buzz with round-the-clock cash games, attracting players of all levels. You’ll find everything from $1/$3 and $2/$5 No-Limit Hold’em to mixed games and higher-stakes action, all in a comfortable, well-run setting.
For those not chasing bracelets, the PokerNews Daily DeepStacks are a major draw. These affordable, single-day tournaments run throughout the summer, offering buy-ins starting at $150 and a chance to play competitive poker alongside the excitement of the Series. With solid structures, great fields, and daily action, they’ve become a favorite for recreational and serious players alike.
Bellagio Poker Room (Las Vegas Strip)
The Bellagio is one of the most iconic poker destinations on the Strip. Its luxurious poker room features over 35 tables spreading everything from $1/$3 No-Limit Hold’em to $40/$80 Limit Hold’em and high-stakes mixed games. Players enjoy 24/7 table-side dining, call-ahead seating, and professional dealers who know how to run a game right.
Wynn Las Vegas Poker Room (Las Vegas Strip)
The Wynn’s elegant poker room has quickly become a favorite for both cash game regulars and tournament grinders. It runs round-the-clock No-Limit Hold’em and PLO games, and hosts the annual Wynn Summer Classic, one of the biggest tournament series in Vegas, boasting $40 million in guarantees in 2025 alone. Daily tournaments often carry $10k guarantees, making this a prime destination for mid- to high-stakes players.
Aria Poker Room (Las Vegas Strip)
Located inside the ultra-modern Aria Resort & Casino, this sleek poker room is a staple of the Las Vegas scene. The Aria poker room spreads a full variety of games including NLHE, PLO, and dealer’s choice mixed games. It’s home to the renowned Ivey Room, a go-to spot for nosebleed cash games, and hosts a consistent stream of daily tournaments catering to all bankrolls.
Golden Nugget Poker Room (Downtown Las Vegas)
For players looking to escape the Strip and experience old-school Vegas charm, the Golden Nugget is the go-to poker destination downtown. As the only active poker room in Fremont Street’s casino corridor, it offers a reliable mix of low- and mid-stakes No-Limit Hold’em cash games, typically at $1/$3 and $2/$5, with uncapped buy-ins.
Peppermill Reno (Reno, Nevada)
Northern Nevada’s top poker destination. This 19-table room features a rotating schedule of tournaments, cash games, and a VIP high-limit section popular with regional grinders.
You can check out many more PokerNews guides to the top live poker rooms in Nevada.
Nevada Poker Legality FAQs
Is online poker legal in Nevada?
Yes, online poker has been legal in Nevada since 2013, with WSOP.com as the sole licensed and operational site. The state was the first in the U.S. to regulate real-money online poker.
Can I play online poker against players in other states?
Yes. Nevada is a member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), which allows WSOP.com to share player pools with New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, thus creating bigger tournaments and more cash game traffic.
Is there a tax on poker winnings in Nevada?
While Nevada has no state income tax, all poker winnings are subject to federal taxation. US players must report gambling income on their IRS returns, and non-U.S. players may face a 30% withholding unless exempt via treaty. Please consult a qualified professional for advice on your tax affairs.
Can non-residents play online poker in Nevada?
Yes, as long as you're physically located within the state. You don’t need to be a resident, but you must enable geolocation to verify your location when playing on licensed sites like WSOP.com.
How old do you have to be to play poker in Nevada?
You must be 21 or older to play poker in Nevada, whether online at WSOP.com or in a live poker room. This age requirement is strictly enforced under state law.
Can I play live poker in Las Vegas?
Absolutely. Nevada, and especially Las Vegas, is home to dozens of regulated live poker rooms, including world-class venues like Bellagio, Aria, Wynn, and Resorts World.
Is PokerStars legal in Nevada?
No , PokerStars is not licensed or legal in Nevada.
Is GGPoker legal in Nevada?
No. While GGPoker’s parent company now owns the WSOP brand globally, WSOP.com in Nevada is still operated by Caesars and licensed by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. GGPoker is not licensed to offer real-money poker in any US state, including Nevada.
Can I compete for online World Series of Poker bracelets in Nevada?
Yes! WSOP.com NV offers the opportunity to compete for online World Series of Poker bracelets, which boast similar recognition to their live counterparts.