Gaming law is generally the law that applies to the gaming or gambling industry, including casinos, lotteries, horse racing, dog racing, sports betting, card games, table games, social gambling, bingo, raffles, slot machines, scratch tickets, etc. Gaming law includes state and federal statutes, rules, and regulations—and legal principles from traditional areas of law, such as contract law, administrative law, constitutional law, criminal law, and regulatory law. For example, the federal statute prohibiting illegal gambling businesses is located at 18 U.S.C. §1955.
In Nevada (NV), gaming law is a critical area of regulation given the state's extensive gambling industry, particularly in cities like Las Vegas and Reno. The Nevada Gaming Control Board and the Nevada Gaming Commission are the primary regulatory bodies overseeing gaming within the state. These entities enforce the Nevada Gaming Control Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder, which govern all aspects of gaming, including licensing, operations, and employment within the industry. Nevada allows a wide range of gaming activities, including casinos, lotteries, sports betting, and online gaming, subject to strict regulatory oversight to ensure the integrity of gaming operations and to prevent criminal involvement. At the federal level, statutes such as 18 U.S.C. §1955, which prohibits illegal gambling businesses, also apply. However, due to Nevada's comprehensive regulatory framework and legalized status of many forms of gambling, the state's gaming industry operates within the bounds of both state and federal law. It's important for any gaming operation in Nevada to comply with both levels of regulation and to consult with an attorney specializing in gaming law to navigate the complex legal landscape.