From July 1st, punters in Nevada will be able to enjoy betting on eSports in Las Vegas, after Governor Brian Sandoval signed Senate Bill 240 into law this week. The bill, dubbed the ‘eSports Betting Bill’, essentially allows pari-mutuel betting systems to wager on different events such as the results of award shows including the Oscars. These events fall under the ‘other events’ section of the pari-mutuel wagering categories in Sin City.
While gambling authorities in Nevada already authorized eSports betting, SB 240 puts a formal stamp on this pastime.
The Nevada Gaming Commission is now allowed to issue licenses that allows the conduct of parimutuel betting. The authority has the power to repeal or amend regulations that relate to the conduct of this type of betting.
An Off-Track Pari-Mutuel Wagering Committee will be created by the Nevada Gaming Commission. It will consist of 11 members who are legally allowed to engage in off-track pari-mutuel wagering.
Senate Bill 240 states that “The Nevada Gaming Commission shall, and it is granted the power to, demand access to and inspect all books and records of any person licensed pursuant to this chapter pertaining to and affecting the subject of the license.”
SB 240 was sponsored by Republican senator Becky Harris.
There have recently been a number of changes in Nevada betting laws. Last week, the Nevada Gaming Control Board granted approval for bettors to wager on the NBA Finals MVP Award and the NBA draft at Nevada sports books. The board was petitioned by sportsbook William Hill to allow wagers on both events.
William Hill issued a statement saying: “With so many marquee players on each side, this is a fantastic Finals to start offering it. There are seven viable contenders, which is rare in a Finals. Golden State has its Big Four and Cleveland has its Big Three. And (Andre) Iguodala won it one year, which shows you what can happen.”
Authorities ruled that wagering on the NBA draft has to end by June 21st. Betting on the Finals MVP must stop at tipoff of Game 1 on June 1.
In addition fans at future Las Vegas Raiders home games may be legally able to place bets using their mobile phones from inside the new stadium, which will cost $1.9 billion to build. The League is seeking to convince Nevada gaming authorities to change this policy, however.
