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Is Sports Betting Legal in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas is number one when it comes to sports betting. We all know that. But what we might not know is that this was the result of a national law that was recently struck down. That’s right! For seventy years, Las Vegas was the only place where legal offline sports betting was allowed. Online sports betting has been available in nearly every state since the mid 1990s.
In 2018, the Supreme Court declared Nevada‘s exceptional status as the only place where sports betting was allowed to be an illegal monopoly. In this case, new Jersey challenged the law. But once it was struck down, the floodgates opened nationwide.
Of course, Las Vegas continues to enjoy momentum and is home to 168 casinos. They can be fun, but they can also be very expensive compared to online casinos, where you can shop around for the bets lines and bonuses and avoid the expensive parking and drinks on the Strip.
Top Five Las Vegas Online Sportsbooks
We all want to find success in the odds. The sports betting industry is now so big that it can be difficult to distinguish between top-tier betting sites. Whether you’re playing the odds for the NBA or the MLB, there are some great options for placing the best bets.
To make life easier for our readers, we had our team scroll through the endless lists of bookmakers and the different odds markets to summarize the best online sportsbooks available to US players.
Of course, our readers can look through our list of recommended betting sites. But we wanted to go a little deeper and highlight some of the top features, including those bookmakers that offer mobile betting, a range of different odds markets, and payment options to ensure you get a quick payout.
For our readers that want to know more about the various online bookies, continue to read, and we’ll run through the top eight bookmakers in Las Vegas and how to make the most of them below.
Bovada
There is no name bigger than Bovada, not just in the States but the world. Bovada has become a benchmark for emerging online providers, especially in American sports leagues like the NBA, NHL, NFL, and MLB. You’ll find different odds markets from other top-tier providers, as BookMaker focuses on ensuring it has some of the most competitive odds online.
Bovada has a massive presence in Nevada, notably in Las Vegas, so bettors won’t be shocked to hear about it. Some unique features are listed below: experienced sports, over two decades in the industry, excellent site and mobile app user interface, and a comprehensive betting platform: sportsbook, casino, racebook, and poker rooms. Certainly one of the best gambling sites in Las Vegas.
We’ve put together a comprehensive Bovada review for our readers.
Why MyTopSportsbooks Loves Bovada:
- First industry morning lines
- Broad range of crypto deposit methods
- Excellent weekly horse-racing rebate
BetOnline
BetOnline is another long-standing bookmaker, with its inception in the industry in 2004. BetOnline has always focused on its community and building a relationship between customers and providers. This has been achieved through various promotional offers and bonus deals.
Las Vegas residents can take advantage of some of the most competitive odds in the States across the major leagues. Learn more about the core features of BetOnline here: tons of great bonus offerings and deals, reliable and legitimate sportsbooks, and first-rate customer service. Modern website and mobile betting platform.
Read our BetOnline review to learn more about this unique provider.
Why MyTopSportsbooks Loves BetOnline:
- Live casino wagering
- Range of bonuses and promotions
- Straightforward sign-up process
BetUS
BetUS is one of the long-standing bookmakers that offers a broad range of markets, backed up by some great guides on betting strategy. The company has strived to ensure it provides the very best in sports betting options, allowing bettors to find the best bets on the sports markets they’re interested in.
Moreover, players will find a range of great prop betting markets, especially around major events like the NBA Final, Stanley Cup, and Super Bowl. Some of the standout features at BetUS are as follows: longevity in the industry, a great loyalty program, regular updates to promotions and bonus offerings, and great live/In-play betting markets.
Get the full story with our BetUS review.
Why MyTopSportsbooks Loves BetUS:
- Top-tier mobile betting app
- Most sports betting lines in the US
- Full-service one-wallet wagering
Bookmaker.eu
Bookmaker.eu is synonymous with online gambling in Las Vegas. The company has pushed the boundaries regarding what’s possible in mobile betting. You can enjoy the first-rate Las Vegas mobile betting app and a broad range of promotions and bonuses related specifically to the mobile platform.
The industry has become saturated in the last decade, with a long list of bookmakers to choose from, but one that has remained around the top of that list is BookMaker. Learn more about this great bookmaker with some highlight features we’ve listed here: highly rated sportsbook within the community, gets the basics right, excellent deposit options, and consistently good sportsbook bonus options.
Learn more with our comprehensive Bookmaker.eu review.
Why MyTopSportsbooks Loves Bookmaker:
- Excellent first-deposit bonus
- Competitive sports betting lines
- Excellent rewards program
XBet
Focusing on making a name for itself, XBet has always provided some of the best bets across the major American sports leagues. Experienced bettors have picked up on this and have made XBet one of those bookmakers they always come back to, not just for the quick payouts but the different odds markets they have available daily.
XBet has spent a long time improving its customer service standards and now stands as one of the premium support systems online. Check out some more features of XBet here: bonuses for new and returning players, a fully-stocked casino that complements the sportsbook, modern look and feel across the site.
We provide the full details about this sportsbook in our XBet review.
Why MyTopSportsbooks Loves XBet:
- Highly reputable North American sportsbook
- First-rate customer service team
- Industry-leading welcome bonus
Legal Online Sportsbooks in Las Vegas
Sports betting is fully legal in Las Vegas—and has been for decades. Nevada was the first state to legalize sports wagering, and it remains a hub for both retail and online betting.
Residents and visitors in Las Vegas can place bets online through state-licensed mobile apps. These sportsbooks are regulated by the Nevada Gaming Control Board and must meet strict standards to ensure safety, fairness, and responsible gambling.
| State | Las Vegas |
| Sports Betting Law Passed | Yes ✔️ |
| Launch date | N/A |
| Minimum Gambling Age | 18 |
| Online Sports Betting | Yes ✔️ |
| Retail Sports Betting | Yes ✔️ |
| Retail Casinos | Yes ✔️ |
Las Vegas Quick Facts
Here’s a snapshot of everything you need to know about sports betting in Las Vegas. From its long-standing legal status to who can place bets and what’s allowed, this guide breaks down the essentials at a glance.
| State | Las Vegas |
| Sports Betting Law Passed | Yes ✔️ |
| Launch Date | 1949 |
| Minimum Gambling Age | 21 ✔️ |
| Online Sports Betting | Yes ✔️ |
| Mobile Sports Betting | Yes ✔️ |
| Retail Sportsbooks | Yes ✔️ |
| Tribal Casinos | No ❌ |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | No ❌ |
| Online Casinos | No ❌ |
| Horse Racing | Yes ✔️ |
| Dog Racing | No ❌ |
| Esports Betting | Yes ✔️ |
Why Many Las Vegas Bettors Still Use Offshore Sportsbooks
Las Vegas may be the capital of legal sports betting in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean every bettor sticks with regulated options. Despite Nevada’s long-established market, some players still turn to offshore sportsbooks for added flexibility, variety, and convenience.
From in-person signup requirements to limited betting categories and slower payouts, even Vegas sportsbooks have their drawbacks. Offshore platforms offer a more open experience—with broader betting options, crypto compatibility, and no location-based restrictions.
Advantages of Offshore Betting for Las Vegas Players
- More Markets to Wager On — Nevada’s licensed sportsbooks generally avoid bets on politics, entertainment awards, and certain international or niche sports. Offshore sites cover it all—from presidential races to reality TV and esports.
- Better Odds & Lower Juice — Offshore platforms operate outside state tax and compliance frameworks, often giving them room to offer sharper lines and higher-value odds.
- No In-Person Signup Requirements — In Nevada, you still have to visit a casino in person to activate most mobile betting apps. Offshore sportsbooks skip the hassle—you can sign up and start betting in minutes, completely online.
- Crypto-Friendly & Fast Payouts — Many offshore sites support Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies, offering faster withdrawals than many retail books.
- Fewer ID Hurdles — No selfie uploads, address verifications, or government IDs needed—just an email, a deposit, and you’re ready to go.
What You Can’t Bet on Legally in Las Vegas
Even in the betting capital of the world, some wagers are off-limits at state-regulated sportsbooks:
- Political elections (U.S. or abroad)
- Entertainment outcomes (Oscars, Emmys, reality shows)
- Most esports competitions
- High school or amateur youth sports
Offshore books often allow all of the above—giving bettors more freedom to choose how and what they bet on.
Who Can Bet Legally in Las Vegas?
To place a legal bet at a Nevada-regulated sportsbook, you must:
- Be 21 years or older
- Be physically located in Nevada at the time of the bet (verified by geolocation)
- Complete in-person registration at a partnered casino for most mobile apps
- Pass required ID verification and compliance checks
Who Is Prohibited from Betting in Nevada?
Even in Las Vegas, some individuals are legally barred from wagering, including:
- Athletes, coaches, or referees with influence over games
- Sportsbook employees or gaming officials
- Anyone on a state or self-exclusion list
Skip the Restrictions with Offshore Sportsbooks
Las Vegas may be world-famous for sports betting, but the local market still comes with rules and red tape. Offshore sportsbooks give you more flexibility—no in-person signup, no betting limits on niche markets, and faster access to your winnings. For players seeking more freedom and fewer restrictions, offshore sites remain a strong alternative—even in the heart of the betting world.
Las Vegas Sports Betting Timeline – Recent Updates
- 2023 – Circa Sports took over operations at the Silverton Casino Lodge, previously operated by William Hill.
- 2022 – MGM makes a bet to expand its gambling portfolio in Las Vegas.
- 2018 – Supreme Court struck down Nevada’s sports betting monopoly.
- 1983 – Federal tax lowers from 2% to 0.25%. Licenses are good for more than one book.
- 1975 – The first sportsbook in a casino opens in the Union Plaza Casino.
- 1974 – Federal government lowers taxes from 10% to 2%.
- 1951 – Nationwide protests lead to the federal government imposing a 10% tax on gambling in Las Vegas.
- 1931 – Legal gambling begins in Nevada.
Is Sports Betting Legal In Las Vegas?
So, is gambling legal in Las Vegas? Well, as you’re probably aware, Las Vegas is one of the most popular sports betting locations on the planet. Let alone the United States. You can wager with several US-based online bookmakers and numerous offshore odds providers, many of the best we’ve listed above. Read on if you want to learn more about Las Vegas gambling online.
Five Reasons to Bet on These Las Vegas Betting Sites
With so many options along the strip, sports betting sites really have to offer something special to Las Vegas bettors. On top of the convenience that is inherent in being able to bet online, directly from your home or office, the best Vegas sports gambling sites are a full package.
We combined our years of experience with specific research for making bets in Las Vegas. Over the years we have learned exactly what separates a great sportsbook from a merely good sportsbook. We then sifted through the plethora of options available in Las Vegas. Here are our top five criteria for finalizing our recommendations.
You can bet from the comfort of your home using one of the reliable Las Vegas betting apps.
Avoid the Tourist Traps
We have found that the Las Vegas betting experience online si consistently better. There is just no comparison. Going to the strip means circling to find a parking spot, paying for the parking spot, all just to be surrounded by tourists. And then to pay exaggerated prices for food and drinks. No thanks.
If you are looking to make it a social experience, you can invite friends to join your sportsbook. In fact, these sportsbooks have recommend-a-friend promotions, so you and your buddy can get a leg up right off the bat.
Bigger Bonuses
These sports betting sites offer great welcome bonuses. And these are no small fries. You can get a welcome bonus, as well as a series of promotions over time. Many will have reload bonuses, recommend-a-friend bonuses, and bonuses related to specific events.
Bookmaker.eu, for example, offers a 100% match on your first deposit. That means you can double your initial deposit, really extending your entertainment budget as you sharpen your betting strategy.
Shop for Great Lines
Betting online comes with the advantage of being able to easily shop around. This is why we always recommend signing up at more than one Las Vegas betting site, so that you can compare them side-by-side.
If you go in-person, you just have to take the odds they give you wherever you are. This allows for shady practices. However, online, you have more transparency and more autonomy. You can find the best odds, and therefore, increase your winnings.
Excellent Customer Service
With Las Vegas sports betting, every minute counts. When we run into snags, we really need them solved quickly. Especially when it comes to live betting, because the odds can change by the minute, taking betting opportunities with them.
The best Vegas betting sites will have the following options:
- Phone numbers
- Live chat
- Emails
- Community forums
- FAQs
A Sterling Reputation
When we go online to bet, we need our sportsbooks to be well-trusted. We need to know that our payouts will come in a timely manner. Every sportsbook on our list has always fulfilled our payout requests quickly. We have also checked forums for customer complaints. These sportsbooks all have a sterling reputation.
Check Out Our Complete Betting Guide
Whether betting from the comfort of your home or taking the journey to Las Vegas, Nevada, it is always important to have some sort of betting strategy that guides you. If you go into it blind, you will not be as successful as the bettor who plans ahead a little bit.
That is why we have a complete betting guide. Here you will find more information on parlay bets, an odds calculator, and answers to many of your other questions. Whether you are betting online or along the famous strip, you can always learn a thing or two to improve your success rate.
Potential Legal Sports Betting Sites In Las Vegas
Our readers are always asking us, “can you bet on sports in Las Vegas” to which the answer is yes, in abundance. Las Vegas gambling laws have favored online wagering since 2010, which is something that gamblers across the States have been aware of, often traveling to the city of lights to enjoy the fruits of this law.
Gambling in Las Vegas is often touted to be a strictly casino-based experience. But some of the biggest bookmakers and the benchmark sports betting lines are found in this great city. If you’re looking for the top bookmakers in the country, we can show you the best betting sites in Las Vegas.
List of Casinos and Resorts in Las Vegas
Here is a list of casinos and resorts in Las Vegas. Many of them will also have retail sportsbooks in them. So, fans of slots and of the Vegas Golden Knights will be able to spin and bet on them to win the Super Bowl all in one place. Fans of college football and college basketball will also have plenty of fun at the retail sportsbooks, casinos, and resorts to look forward to.
One of the best ones is the MGM Grand Mandalay. They have an 11-acre pool area where you can splash away the desert heat. Other amenities include LIGHT nightclub, a Shark Reef Aquarium, award-winning chefs, and convention centers where you can watch superstars sing.
- Aria
- AZ Charlie’s
- Bally’s
- Bellagio
- Binion’s
- Boulder Station
- Caesar’s Palace
- California
- Casino Royale
- Circa
- Circus Circus
- Cosmpolitan
- The Cromwell
- The D
- Downtown Grand
- Eastside Cannery
- El Cortez
- Ellis Island
- Encore
- Excalibur
- Flamingo
- Four Queens
- Fremont
- Gold Coast
- Golden Gate
- Golden Nugget
- Harrah’s
- Linq
- Luxor
- Main Street Station
- Grand Mandalay Bay
- MGM Grand Mandalay
- Mirage
- New York NY
- Orleans
- OYO
- Palace Station
- Palazzo
- The Palms
- Paris
- Park MGM
- Planet Hollywood
- Plaza
- Rampart
- Red Rock
- Rio
- Sahara
- Sam’s Town
- Santa Fe Station
- Silver Sevens
- Silverton
- Resorts World
- Slots-a-Fun
- South Point
- Strat
- Suncoast
- Treasure Island
- Tropicana
- Tuscany
- Venetian
- Virgin
- Westgate
- Wynn
Las Vegas Sports Teams To Bet On
- Vegas Golden Knights
- Las Vegas Aces
- Las Vegas Lights FC
- Las Vegas Thunder
- Las Vegas Aviators
- Las Vegas Ramblers
- Vegas Vipers
- Vegas Knight Hawks
- Las Vegas Rattlers
- Law Vegas Outlaws
- Las Vegas Sin
Las Vegas and Daily Fantasy Sports
Due to the fact that sports betting is entirely legal in the state of Nevada, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) doesn’t have the same kind of pull as it does in states that treat sports betting as illegal. In terms of how to bet on sports in Las Vegas, it’s fairly simple. The major US-based sportsbook providers such as FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM all offer a range of options for DFS.
Having said that, many other websites offer a similar service. A quick Google search will guide you to a variety of sites that focus on DFS and offer an alternative to online gambling in Las Vegas, focusing on something other than major sports betting lines.
Is Horse Racing Legal In Las Vegas?
Las Vegas sports gambling laws are fairly liberal, meaning it’s no surprise that there are horse racing tracks. Despite the open attitude to gambling, there are only two tracks operating in the state. This is largely due to the fact that neighboring state California offers a wealth of horse racing opportunities, with numerous tracks in the South of the state. The two Las Vegas horse racing tracks are as follows:
- lko County Fair
- White Pines in Ely
For any of our readers that are keen in tracking the latest horse racing opportunities, check out our page for top racing betting bookmakers available to you today.
Nearest States With Legal Betting
For all bettors in the state of Nevada, you don’t really have the need to travel to any neighboring states to wager. However, if you were to want to do that, you could travel to the following border states:
- Arizona
- Oregon
Sadly, the other border states—California, Utah, and Idaho—treat online sports wagering as illegal. So, if you feel the need to travel to a bordering state to enjoy the fruits of online sports wagering, take a look at the above two.
Check Out These Top Las Vegas Sportsbooks
Las Vegas Sports Betting FAQ
Find answers to common questions bettors like you have when researching which sportsbook to join.
Yes, sports betting is legal in Las Vegas and throughout the state of Nevada. In fact, Las Vegas is known as the mecca for sports betting enthusiasts, with many casinos offering sportsbooks where you can place bets on a variety of sports events. However, it’s worth noting that sports betting may not be legal in other parts of the country, so it’s important to check your state’s laws before placing any bets.
The legal gambling age in Las Vegas is 21 years of age. This is the same as the legal drinking age in the United States. Therefore, anyone who is under the age of 21 is not allowed to participate in any form of gambling in Las Vegas, including playing slot machines, table games, or any other type of betting. It’s important to note that most casinos in Las Vegas strictly enforce the gambling age, so it’s not worth risking getting caught and facing legal consequences.
Betting on sports in Vegas sportsbooks is relatively easy and straightforward, but there are a few things you need to know before you place your bets. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
1. Find a reputable sportsbook: Look for a sportsbook that is licensed by the Nevada Gaming Control Board and has a good reputation in the industry.
2. Open a betting account: You need to open a betting account with the sportsbook before you can place your bets. Bring a valid ID and your method of payment (credit/debit card, cash) to do this.
3. Choose your sports event: Decide on the sports event you want to bet on. Las Vegas sportsbooks offer a wide variety of sports events to bet on, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, boxing, and horse racing.
4. Place your bets: Once you’ve chosen your sports event, you can place your bets either in person or via one of the sportsbook’s mobile apps. Be sure to read the rules and regulations for each bet type and carefully choose your wager amount.
5. Watch the game: Sit back and enjoy the game, knowing that you have a chance to win big if your bets come through.
Remember, sports betting can be risky, so always bet responsibly and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
As of 2023, there are approximately 30 casinos operating on the Las Vegas Strip alone, with more located in the surrounding areas of Las Vegas. The exact number can vary depending on the definition of a “casino,” as some locations may be considered gaming establishments but not fully-fledged casinos. That being said, Las Vegas has long been known as the gambling capital of the world, and there is certainly no shortage of places to try your luck in the city.
The largest casino in Las Vegas is actually a tie between two casinos: the Venetian and the Palazzo. Both casinos are owned by the same company and are located on the Las Vegas Strip. They have a combined gaming floor area of over 225,000 square feet, making them the largest casinos in Las Vegas and among the largest in the world. The two casinos offer a variety of games, including slot machines, table games, and poker, as well as luxury shopping and dining options.
Yes, live betting is available in Las Vegas sportsbooks. Live betting allows you to place wagers on a sporting event as it is unfolding, giving you the opportunity to adjust your bets based on how the game is progressing. Many Las Vegas sportsbooks offer live betting options for a variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and more. Keep in mind that live betting odds can change rapidly, so it’s important to pay close attention to the game and stay up-to-date on the latest odds and betting options.
There are a few reasons why there are no horse racetracks in Las Vegas. One major factor is the presence of the nearby casinos and their strong influence on the local economy. Horse racing is seen as competition for gambling revenue, which is the main source of income for Las Vegas. Additionally, the hot desert climate makes it challenging to maintain a grass track, which is necessary for proper horse racing. Finally, there simply may not be enough demand for horse racing in Las Vegas to justify the high costs associated with building and operating a racetrack. As a result, Las Vegas has focused more on other forms of entertainment such as shows, dining, and of course, gambling.
Yes, you can make prop bets (short for “proposition bets”) at betting facilities in Las Vegas. Prop bets are bets on specific events or outcomes within a larger event, such as who will score the first touchdown in a football game, or how many strikeouts a particular pitcher will have in a baseball game. These types of bets can be found at most sportsbooks in Las Vegas and can add a fun and exciting element to your betting experience. Just be sure to understand the odds and potential payouts before placing any prop bets.
Yes, you can bet on sports in Las Vegas. In fact, Las Vegas is one of the premier destinations in the world for sports betting. There are many sportsbooks located throughout the city, including some of the largest and most popular in the country. These sportsbooks offer a wide range of betting options, including point spreads, moneylines, and over/under bets, as well as prop bets on specific players and events. You can also bet on a variety of different sports, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and more. Keep in mind that you must be 21 years old or older to place a sports bet in Las Vegas.
DraftKings is legal in Las Vegas, but they cannot operate in the state of Nevada due to state laws on sports betting. In Nevada, sports betting is only legal through licensed sportsbooks, which can be found in physical casinos throughout the state. However, visitors to Las Vegas can still use DraftKings or other daily fantasy sports sites to participate in contests from their hotel rooms or while sitting in Nevada restaurants and bars that offer mobile sports betting. So while DraftKings cannot physically operate within the state, their services are still accessible to those visiting Las Vegas.
No, FanDuel is not legal in Las Vegas. Daily fantasy sports, like FanDuel, are considered forms of gambling and are restricted by Nevada state laws. However, sports betting is legal in Las Vegas and can be done in person at licensed sportsbooks or online through certain platforms. It’s important to check the laws and regulations in your state before participating in any form of online gambling.
Trent is a professional sports journalist specializing in UFC, MMA, and esports coverage. His work has been featured in prestigious publications such as USA Today Sports, Vice, Bloody Elbow, Fight! Magazine, UFC 360, and Narratively. Trent's connection to MMA dates back to the early days when he and his friends pooled their resources to purchase the pay-per-...
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