Nevada legalises eSports betting

Governor of Nevada has today signed into law a bill which legalises off-track pari-mutuel sports betting in the state.

Senate Bill 240, which was passed in both houses earlier this month, extends current pari-mutuel gaming legislation to include eSports betting under the definition of “other events”, also allowing betting on events not currently covered such as winners at the Oscars, but still prohibiting betting on politics.

Existing gaming legislation had previously only allowed betting at state horse and greyhound racing tracks, and athletic sporting events.

The law allows the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) to issue licenses and also adopt or modify regulations related to eSports betting, with only licensed operators allowed to provide eSports in Nevada. ESports operators who are licensed are then taxed at 3% of the total amount wagered on the respective event.

It gives the NGC greater investigatory powers, adding the requirement to obtain fingerprints and background information from any licensee as part of the application process.

Under the legislation the Nevada Gaming Commission also has powers to appoint an 11 person off-track pari-mutuel betting committee with full oversight over any eSports betting taking place.

The bill will take effect from 1 July.