The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) indicated recently that it was prepared to table a discussion on iGaming, a novel concept for a state whose livelihood has depended so long on land-based casinos. The gaming regulator was to hold a meeting to discuss the possibility of facilitating the introduction of iGaming and dropping its in-person registration requirement for sports gambling this week but has decided that it isn’t ready. The meeting will now be held sometime over the summer.

Nevada legalized online poker years ago, but this was the extent of its foray into iGaming. Along with sports gambling, online poker requires participants to register in person first, which has hindered the state’s iGaming growth. Now, following the success of iGaming across the US and the need to find new ways to boost its revenue, it seems like Nevada gaming regulators are prepared to go against the wishes of the state’s land-based casinos and open the iGaming market. The NGCB was to take the first step in a meeting scheduled for this Thursday but announced late last week that it would, for some unspecified reason, wait until after the current Nevada Legislature session ends. That will be on June 1.

A notice by the NGCB only explained, “To ensure that all parties wishing to participate in this important discussion about the future of Nevada gaming can attend, and ideally in-person, the Board intends to schedule workshops on these proposed amendments and the role of technology and gaming in Nevada at some point soon after the conclusion of the current session of the Nevada Legislature.”

iGaming markets have been opened in Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and more states are expected to be added. With COVID-19 bringing land-based gambling to a grinding halt last year, those iGaming markets were able to support their states and continue to supply needed revenue. The figures continue to rise, as well, with 2021 providing more revenue as land-based casinos are just now preparing to return to their full capacities.