Is Being a Bookie in Illegal in Nevada

For decades, Nevada was the only place where people could legally bet on sports. Sports gambling was legalized in the state in 1949, which gave it a nearly 70-year headstart on all the other states throughout the country.

With this in mind, you might be under the impression that it would be easy to become a Nevada bookie. But you’ll want to look into the Nevada sports betting laws before you make being a bookie in the state one of your goals.

So, do Nevada gambling laws allow for you to become a Nevada bookie and start operating one of the state’s online sportsbooks? Find out below.

Being a Bookie in Nevada Is Possible

The Nevada gambling laws have changed quite a bit over time. But as of right now, they don’t outright forbid those who wish to become bookies in Nevada to try to do it.

If you have an interest in attempting to carve out a career as a Nevada bookie, you should be able to pursue it as long as the current Nevada sports betting laws don’t change too dramatically.

Becoming a Nevada Bookie Might Not Be Easy

While being a bookie in Nevada is possible, it might not be easy. The state takes licensing very seriously and will make you jump through some hoops to secure a license so that you can legally work as a bookie.

You’ll also be subjected to your fair share of taxes and fees as it relates to working as a bookie. This could potentially make it challenging to get a bookie business off the ground in Nevada unless you have very deep pockets.

Whatever you do, you should try not to sidestep any Nevada sports betting laws that are in place. Since the state has been regulating sports gambling for so long, they have one of the most experienced gaming boards in the nation.

Sports Gambling Software Can Help

Setting up a bookie shop in Nevada might not be the easiest thing to do. But one thing that can help you get the job done is the sports betting software available through Ace Per Head.

Our sports gambling software will give you everything you’ll need to start a bookie business without forcing you to spend too much money. This software can bring you one step closer to realizing your dream of being a bookie.

Are Pay-Per-Head Services Legal?

The answer to this question is often yes. In 2018, when the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was overturned, it gave states the ability to legalize sports betting within their jurisdiction. Since then, As of 2023, 33 states and DC have reaped the benefits of legalization.

If you reside in one of these states, there’s literally nothing stopping you from opening a pay-per-head sportsbook. You can take bets from anyone who lives in an area with legal gambling. This is determined by your geolocation and the geolocations of potential bettors.

So, yes, opening a PPH sportsbook is legal!

Are There Times When PPH Is Illegal?

Unfortunately, if you live in a state where mobile gambling isn’t legal, you can’t become a PPH bookie. You would need to move somewhere that has already legalized online sports gambling.

Utah and Hawaii have banned sports betting outright. However, most states that don’t have current legal gambling look likely to legalize in the future.

4 states have current legislation that’s passed but hasn’t taken effect yet. 2 others have legislation on their state houses and senates that may pass soon. If you live there (or anywhere else without live legal betting), you’ll need to monitor changing laws to figure out when you can launch a pay-per-head business.

What If PPH Is Illegal in Your State?

This is an annoying situation for any sports enthusiast to be in, but there are ways that you can become a bookie anyway. One way to start making money is to move to a neighboring state with legal PPH betting options.

This is usually a really worthwhile shift since big-time bookies can easily make up to $100,000 monthly. Even if you don’t dedicate a ton of time to your sportsbook, you can still make $20,000-$30,000 annually.

Another option is simply to wait for legislation to pass that legalizes sports betting near you. Laws and regulations are constantly changing, so unless you live in Utah or Hawaii, you can bet that sports betting will likely eventually become legal near you.

Sports Betting Licenses and Logistics

If you’re looking to become a bookie in a legal area, you’ll need to pay startup fees and operational costs. These expenses will depend on your specific state. Figuring them out can be a huge chore and the fees often are tens of thousands of dollars.

Luckily, fully-managed PPH platforms like Ace Per Head make starting up an inexpensive breeze!

When you become one of our bookies, you’ll be one of our partners. We’ve already taken care of the annoying logistics, so you won’t need to worry about legalities, licensing, or fees. All you’ll need to do is create your web application, set your lines, and get down to business!

Pay Attention to the Nevada Sports Betting Laws

Like most other states throughout the country, Nevada is constantly reevaluating the approach it takes to sports gambling and adjusting its laws accordingly. This could lead to some of the Nevada sports betting laws that are on the books now changing in the near future.

But for the time being, you should be able to work towards being a bookie in the state. Ace Per Head can help by setting you up with state-of-the-art bookie software.

Learn more about our sports betting software and consider taking advantage of the 6-week free promo we offer so that you can get to know it better.