Best Nevada Sportsbooks April 2024
| Online Sportsbooks · States · Nevada |
All over the world, thanks to its land-based casinos, Nevada is well-known as the most popular gambling oasis. However, even if online sports betting is legal, it’s only restricted to mobile applications.
For decades, betting within the Nevada state lines was the only form of legal wagering in the country. Following the 1992 passage of PASPA legislation, Nevada sportsbooks had an effective monopoly in US sports gambling.
With PASPA now struck down, betting sites are eyeing untapped new markets in the nation. Decades of experience give NV betting sites a sizable advantage over would-be competitors. Many of the best-known gambling brands on Earth are based in the state.
🗓 STATE OF NEVADA SPORTSBOOKS
Every month, states that have regulated online betting release numbers regarding handle (amount of money in accepted wagers), gross revenue, taxes, leading sportsbooks, etc. The latest data is mobile only from the Nevada Gaming Commission.
| Metric | January 2024 |
|---|---|
| 💰 Total Handle | $782,817,412 |
| 🏦 Gross Revenue | $64,739,000 |
| ⚖️ Taxes | $4,369,883 |
Come check out other states' sports betting handles and revenue.
CONTENTS
- Best Nevada Sportsbooks
- Nevada Retail Sportsbooks
- BetMGM Nevada
- NV Sportsbooks: Events & Betting Markets
- How to place a Sports Bet?
- Betting on NV Sports Teams
- Nevada Esports
- FAQ Best Nevada Sportsbooks
- Nevada Casinos
- Conclusion: Best Nevada Sportsbooks
BEST NEVADA SPORTSBOOKS
As we have already said, betting in Nevada is restricted to mobile applications. It means that within the state of NV, you can’t place a bet over a desktop or mobile site. You must have a Nevada sportsbook application, and then you’ll be all set to start placing bets.
Fortunately, most of the US top sports betting sites provide betting app for their users. So if you are searching for leading wagering applications, we highly suggest you check out the following ones:
- BetMGM
- Golden Nugget
- Caesars Sportsbook
The most significant advantage of sports betting app is that you can place a bet and withdraw any potential winnings without even leaving your home. With the newest technological developments, gone are the days you’d have to go all the way to the retail sportsbook to place a bet.
Simply by using a sports betting app, people can usually register and access all the available services of the given operator. However, that’s not quite the case when it comes to Nevada.
You can use the mobile app just like in any other state where online betting is legalized and regulated, but you can’t register via the app. To open a new account, you must visit the retail sportsbook or land-based casino where the sportsbook is based. Once you register and get your login credentials, you’ll be able to sign in on your sports betting app.
The following bookmakers are the most outstanding operators in the state. All of them have their own licensed sports betting apps, for added convenience. In almost every case, welcome promotions will not apply to in-person bettors and may not apply in Nevada , so make sure to check the fine print before expecting to redeem a welcome offer online.
BETMGM
MGM is one of the world’s most famous entertainment companies. Managing multiple properties across the globe, MGM has grown into an internationally-recognized brand. In recent years, the operator unveiled BetMGM, its official sportsbook app.
BetMGM is one of the most popular sports betting apps available today. The BetMGM website is also among the best betting sites in the market. The sportsbook, licensed through the MGM Grand casino & sportsbook, has millions of clients across several US states.
Breaking news: you can now use our code VIBONUS for BetMGM Nevada! However, please keep in mind that this code will not get you an offer. Additionally, there is NO online product (desktop or mobile) and no remote registration.
You can sign up for pre-registration with our code VIBONUS on the BetMGM App. However, you have to head to one of the BetMGM sportsbooks in Vegas to complete registration. To do this, simply download the app and register an account. You will be prompted to enter the bonus code mentioned. After registration is complete, you will be asked to go to the sportsbook in person to verify your identity.
These in-person sportsbooks include MGM Grand, Park MGM, Bellagio, The Cosmopolitan, Mandalay Bay, ARIA, Luxor, New York, New York, The Mirage, and Excalibur.
As with other betting sites in Nevada, you can only place wagers through the app itself. Luckily, you don’t need to visit the physical casino in order to register. Players can sign up using the app, which requires a SSN and other personal information.
You’ll also have to register for the M life rewards program. This ID will be your login for the BetMGM app. Once you’re in, the app is quite powerful. BetMGM boasts multiple convenient funding methods and a broad range of sports to wager on.
Popular betting markets are available, such as moneyline, over/under, or spread betting. Using the app is quite simple and intuitive. It features a sleek, polished design, with an approachable layout and helpful menus.
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.
CAESARS SPORTSBOOK
The Caesars Sportsbook is one of the best NV sportsbooks. Founded by Circus Circus owner Jay Sarno in 1966, Caesars Palace is part of Vegas history. Today, the casino operates one of the country’s most luxurious sportsbooks.
You can visit the Caesars Palace Sportsbook and wager on horse racing, national or international sports. It’s a huge facility, packed with enormous LED displays, a restaurant, and a bar. It’s a premier destination.
The Caesars Sports app allows customers to place sports bets from anywhere in the state. By betting through the app, players can accrue comps, which can be redeemed at various Caesars-affiliated properties.
The app is available for Android and iOS mobile devices. In order to install the app, you’ll need to visit the physical sportsbook first. Afterwards, you can gamble anywhere in the state. You can fund your sports betting app account using a Caesars Entertainment Play+ card.
Using Caesars Sports, players betting in Nevada can wager on the same sports and races available in the brick-and-mortar sportsbook. The app also comes in handy when you visit the sportsbook. You can use it to book a room in the hotel, and even order a meal.
NEVADA RETAIL SPORTSBOOKS
Nevada was the only state in the US offering legal retail sportsbooks before May of 2018. That is why Nevada still offers retail betting venues in the US market. The largest concentration of retail books in the state are tied to the Las Vegas area. Reno and the Lake Tahoe region would be next on the list.
Because of the sheer number of retail betting sites, Nevada remains the biggest legal retail market in the US. This is in terms of monthly retail sports betting volume. This is also one of the few states that still requires in-person registration for an online mobile sportsbook app.
HOW TO PLACE A SPORTS BET IN NEVADA
Betting in Nevada is a relatively straightforward process. Generally speaking, players have two options to wager in the state. First, you can visit physical Nevada sportsbooks to make your wagers. If you happen to be in Vegas, visiting local bookmakers is a memorable experience.
When you need to gamble on the go, though, sports betting apps are the best solution. They offer a simple, legal, and reliable way to place your wagers from anywhere in the state. Fans in Henderson, Reno, Carson City and more can use the apps freely.
Next up, we’ll briefly review the legal history and current status of sports betting in the Silver State.
NEVADA BETTING LAWS
The legal history of betting in Nevada is long and storied. In the 19th century, gambling was legal in the state. That changed in 1909, when legislature passed an anti-gambling law. At the time, Nevada sportsbooks were the only legal bookies in the nation.
By 1931, the Great Depression was wreaking havoc on state budgets all over the United States. In a desperate bid to increase revenue, the state backtracked on the 1909 law, legalizing gambling once more. Sports betting would become legal in 1949.
For several decades, the state was the only safe haven for gamblers in the US. This largely drove the development of Las Vegas in the 60s. In 1977, New Jersey legalized gambling in Atlantic City, finally creating some competition.
With the passage of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, future sports betting legalization was barred. NV and NJ sports betting legislation, decades older than the act, remained unaffected. This gave NV and NJ a monopoly of sorts on sports betting, for a while.
As time went by, more states warmed up to the idea of gambling. Parimutuel (horse) wagering was legalized in a number of states over the years. Eventually, PASPA was struck down, and the sports betting industry thrived. Sports betting apps started crossing over into newly-legal markets.
STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS FOR SPORTS BETTING IN NEVADA
Online sports betting has changed the face of gambling in the state. Conveniently available wherever you are in NV, online apps let you take your bookie on the go. However, initial setup and registration can be somewhat vexing for new players.
Follow the steps below to start your sports betting experience on the right foot:
- Select an operator from the list of Nevada betting sites.
- Visit the official website on your mobile device.
- Complete the mobile sign-up process. You’ll have to provide your personal information, including part of your SSN.
- Visit one of the physical sportsbooks affiliated with your chosen operator.
- Activate your mobile account. You can use a kiosk or ask a staff member for help.
- Download the relevant sports betting app. If you’re interested in both casino and sports betting, you may need to download more than one app.
- At this point, you may need to register your mobile app at the physical sportsbook.
- Log into your account.
- Make a deposit to fund your account. You can add funds at kiosks or through prepaid cards.
- Explore the sports betting markets available.
- Pick a line and tap on it. Enter your stake, and place your bet!
Not all betting sites follow the same procedure, so your mileage may vary. A few may skip one or two of these steps, or change the order around a bit. They should hold more or less true across the vast majority of sports betting apps, though.
NEVADA SPORTSBOOKS: EVENTS AND BETTING MARKETS
There’s a ton of sports betting action out there. The state is home to many popular sporting events. In addition to that, sports betting markets in Nevada are among the richest and most diverse in the nation.
Up next, we’ll review some of the most popular events for placing a sports wager.
POPULAR EVENTS
- Wrangler National Finals Rodeo: This event is a yearly showcase for the top 15 money-winners in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. It's held in the University of Nevada Las Vegas' Thomas & Mack Center.
- NCAA Las Vegas Bowl: The Las Vegas Bowl is a NCAA-sanctioned Division I college football bowl game. It has ties to the Pac-12, SEC, and Big Ten conferences.
- Pennzoil 400: The Pennzoil 400 (sponsored by Jiffy Lube) is the first of Nevada’s NASCAR Cup Series races. It’s been held every year since 1998. Interestingly, it’s the only race where winners don’t get trophies, but championship belts instead.
- South Point 400: The South Point 400 is a NASCAR Cup Series. It’s held every year at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It’s the fourth race in the Cup Series playoffs season, and a major event for betting.
- UFC Apex: The Ultimate Fighting Championship has deep ties to Las Vegas. UFC Apex isn’t a competition per se, but rather, the site of countless UFC events, tournaments, and fight nights. There are live events at UFC Apex every other week, on average.
COMMON TYPES OF BETS
When betting in Nevada, there are many different kinds of wagers you can place. Betting sites offer a huge selection of betting markets for you to explore. Below, we’ll explain some of the most popular sports betting markets.
- Win bets: A win bet, also known as a moneyline bet, is the simplest type of wager there is. You pick a team or participant and back them to win.
- Over/Under Bets: Also known as “totals”. In this wager, players select whether a score will be above or below a certain number. The scores can be final or partial, total or team-specific.
- Point Spreads: Very popular types of wager in online sports betting. First, bookies pick a “spread,” a positive or negative score difference between the two teams. Favored teams get positive spreads, while underdogs get negative spreads. Players bet on whether a team will beat the spread.
- Handicap Bets: A handicap bet is very similar to a point spread wager. The main difference is that spreads are specifically calculated to balance selections with a perceived disparity in ability. Handicaps instead provide additional options for players, with different odds & payouts.
- Outright Bets: Outright markets, also known as futures betting, allow you to wager on the winner of major events. For example, you can bet on the winner of the next Super Bowl or World Series.
- Prop Bets: Proposition bets, also known as "props" or "specials", cover almost anything unrelated to the final outcome of the game. Will a certain player score a goal? Which team will win the coin toss? Who will be winning at halftime? These are the types of markets that prop bets cover.
- Parlays: A parlay lets you combine selections across different events into a single wager. They offer exposure to higher odds, but all your selections need to win.
DAILY FANTASY SPORTS
Daily fantasy sports have taken the US by storm in recent years. Existing in a gray area between chance and skill, DFS managed to penetrate many markets where sports gambling was illegal. Ironically, though, sports betting legislation in NV has been an issue for DFS sites.
State legislators have found daily fantasy sports to fit NV’s definition of gambling. Therefore, operators in the space would need a costly gambling license, and all the paperwork and oversight it entails. Both FanDuel and DraftKings have so far shied away from this process.
In 2020, DraftKings opened up its first office in the state. The company still doesn’t provide its services to Nevada-based customers, though. It’s a call center operation, processing a range of IT incidents, customer experience issues, and fraud claims.
At the moment, both companies are lobbying the state to pass new sports betting laws specific to DFS. This would include a special DFS license that’s separate from general NV sportsbook licenses. FanDuel and DraftKings’ lobbying efforts are yet to bear any fruits.
BETTING ON PRO SPORTS TEAMS IN NEVADA
If you’re a fan of professional sports leagues, there are plenty of outfits to root for in the state. Local teams are always popular with sports betting fans. In fact, the best Nevada online sportsbooks often offer special promotions or boosted odds for local teams.
NFL BETTING
Fans had to wait decades to back a local team in NFL betting. The state was home to several attempts at competing with the NFL, though.
They included the Continental Football League, a Canadian Football League expansion, and the Arena Football League. Now, the state boasts its first NFL team.
Las Vegas Raiders betting
The Raiders are a storied team in the NFL, originating in Oakland back in 1960. After 22 years in Oakland, the Raiders relocated to Los Angeles. They played in Memorial Coliseum until 1994. The next year, the Raiders returned to Oakland, finally moving to Las Vegas in January 2020.
The Las Vegas Raiders compete in the NFL's AFC West division. Their homefield is Allegiant Stadium, a domed stadium in Paradise, Nevada. Team headquarters are located in Henderson.
In the Las Vegas Raiders' very first game, the team defeated the Carolina Panthers. Their first home game against the New Orleans Saints also went their way, a little over a week later. Nevada betting fans were quick to embrace the team.
NBA BETTING
NBA fans have long been out of luck when it comes to local teams in Nevada. The state has never been home to a single NBA franchise, despite the league’s popularity with Nevada betting sites.
Professional basketball fans do have a couple of options, though. The state has a top-ranked WNBA team, the Aces, owned by MGM Resorts.
Las Vegas Aces betting
The Aces were founded as the Utah Starzz ahead of the WNBA's 1997 inaugural season. They moved to San Antonio in 2003, becoming the Silver Stars (and then the Stars). By 2018, the team made its final move to Las Vegas, becoming the Aces. In Las Vegas, the team has enjoyed considerable success.
They made the playoffs in two out of three seasons since 2018. In 2019, they won the Western Conference and lost the WNBA finals to the Washington Mystics. In 2020, they repeated their conference win and finals loss, this time against the Seattle Storm. In a few years, Bill Laimbeer’s squad has made considerable inroads with sports betting enthusiasts.
NHL BETTING
For a long time, sports bettors had to settle for backing local minor league hockey squads. Recently, though, local NHL fans saw the first professional team founded in the state: the Vegas Golden Knights.
Vegas Golden Knights betting
The Vegas Golden Knights are a professional ice hockey team, playing in the NHL's Pacific Division. Their home field is the T-Mobile Arena, right on the Vegas Strip. They made their debut in the 2017-2018 season as an expansion team.
Usually, expansion teams have a tough time playing in competitive leagues. The Golden Knights have been quite the exception though, reaching the Stanley Cup Finals in their first season.
They've won two division championships and a conference championship since then. The team is a local favorite on many Nevada online sportsbooks.
MLS BETTING
Soccer may be the world’s most popular sport, but Nevada has no local MLS teams to back. However, the state does have two USLC teams: the Las Vegas Lights FC, and Reno 1868 FC.
Las Vegas Lights betting
The Las Vegas Lights are a professional soccer team playing in the USLC. Founded in 2017, the team plays in Cashman Field. They made the playoffs in the 2019 season, finishing 13th overall. As a lower profile team, they’re often not covered by Nevada betting providers.
OTHER NEVADA TEAMS TO BET ON
Beyond professional sports, sports betting fans have a few local collegiate teams to back. They include both NCAAF and NCAAB teams.
BETTING ON COLLEGE FOOTBALL
UNLV Rebels
The UNLV Rebels represent the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in the NCAA’s Division I Bowl Subdivision (Mountain West Conference). Dating back to 1968, the program currently shares Allegiant Stadium with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Nevada Wolf Pack
The Nevada Wolf Pack represent the University of Nevada, Reno. Like their long-time rivals, the Rebels, the team plays in the NCAA’s Mountain West Conference. The team was founded in 1896, and currently play in Mackay Stadium.
BETTING ON COLLEGE BASKETBALL
UNLV Runnin' Rebels
The Runnin’ Rebels represent UNLV in men’s basketball, playing in the NCAA’s Mountain West Conference. It’s one of the most prestigious collegiate basketball programs in the US, and a fan-favorite with Nevada sportsbooks.
Nevada Wolf Pack
The Wolf Pack is also the name of the University of Nevada, Reno’s men’s basketball team. Playing in the Mountain West Conference, the team has won five championships since 1913. Their rivals are the Runnin’ Rebels, and a favorite with Reno.
NEVADA ESPORTS ?
Proposing and legalizing certain kinds of betting can be a real struggle for state legislatures. Nevada, recently, has made the plunge into potentially legalizing esports betting, and has done so by establishing an Esports Technical Advisory Committee. As of late 2022, that committee has submitted their findings to the Nevada Gaming Control Board and the Nevada Gaming Commission. Fingers crossed, but you may be able to bet on esports events online in Nevada soon!
FAQ BEST NEVADA SPORTSBOOKS
Below, we’ll tackle common questions from players about Nevada betting sites and physical Nevada sportsbooks.
WHERE CAN I BET ON SPORTS IN NEVADA?
Legal betting in Nevada is available through several providers. You can visit physical Nevada sportsbooks all over the state, with the most luxurious located along the Strip. In addition, Nevada betting sites offer mobile apps for wagering. You’ll need to activate apps in person at local sportsbooks to play, though.
IS SPORTS BETTING LEGAL IN NEVADA?
Sports betting in Nevada has been fully legal since 1949, and it is regulated by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. All NV betting sites need to be licensed and registered with the NGCB. The board enforces a strict oversight of all Nevada sportsbooks, ensuring transparency and fairness in all gambling activities.
WHAT DO I NEED TO REGISTER AT AN ONLINE BETTING SITE IN NEVADA?
Registering with Nevada betting sites is a bit of a hassle, but it's definitely worth it. NV betting sites are all affiliated with land-based Nevada sportsbooks. Most are located within the casinos, though a few are standalone betting houses.
To register, you’ll have to complete a mobile sign up form and visit a NV sportsbook establishment in person. You’ll have to provide your name, address, SSN, and other personal details.
After your account is activated, you can visit Nevada betting sites and download their apps. Registering apps always requires visiting a physical sportsbook, at least the first time does. After your account is activated and your app is registered, you can begin.
IS IT SAFE TO DEPOSIT MONEY AT SPORTS BETTING SITES IN NEVADA?
Absolutely! Nevada betting sites are licensed and regulated entities. The state’s gambling oversight agency ensures that all Nevada online sportsbooks follow proper safety protocols. They include secure servers, SSL/TLS technology, encrypted connections, and more.
Nevada sportsbooks are similarly safe. Do make sure you only install apps downloaded from official NV betting sites. Downloading apps from third parties can be risky, as there’s no guarantee they haven’t been tampered with. Your funds may be in danger in this case.
CAN I BET ONLINE ON MY PHONE IN NEVADA?
Indeed, you can. Sports betting apps are the main channel for web-based sports wagering in the state. Unlike online sportsbooks in other states, Nevada betting sites don’t directly provide gambling action on the browser. Instead, players need to download and register a licensed app.
ARE DAILY FANTASY SPORTS LEGAL IN NEVADA?
Yes and no. Technically, daily fantasy sports are legal in the state, regulated by sports betting legislation. However, US DFS operators have so far resisted this classification under Nevada sports betting state law. To avoid having to register as gambling operators, companies have so far opted out of the legal NV market.
NEVADA CASINOS
There are countless casinos throughout the state, many of which are among the most famous in the world. Sports betting takes place primarily through the license of established casino operators.
Each of the largest casinos in the Las Vegas Strip offers sports betting action around the clock. Comfortable lounge areas, large LED screens and surround sound systems make them a gambler’s paradise.
Some of the largest Nevada casinos offering sports betting include the following:
- Wynn/Encore
- Mandalay Bay
- MGM Grand
- Santa Fe Station
- Sunset Station
- Bellagio
That’s just the tip of the iceberg, though. According to the NGCB, more than 400 casinos are open for business in the state as of 2020. The vast majority of them offer sports betting markets for a range of sports.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE BEST NEVADA SPORTSBOOKS
As you can see in our article, for the time being, there’s only one possible way to enjoy online sports betting - through betting applications. These apps offer you all you can find at other legal and regulated top sports betting sites all across the USA: great range of available sports and betting options, special promotions and bonuses, effective customer care, etc.
Sports betting is a thrilling, engaging activity that you can partake in throughout the state. Gambling is an institution within NV, with decades of tradition under its belt. It’s the perfect place to fall in love with sports wagering.
Anyway, before you decide to sign up for any of the operators, make sure that it is licensed and legal in NV. While registering, don’t forget to check out for the brand’s special offers.
