Gambling in the United States of America (USA)
Gambling in the U.S. is a very important source of revenue for the public treasury. About 20 years ago gambling was only legalized in two US states. By the year 2021 there are already 48 states that allow casino gambling and only in states such as Utah and Hawaii it is prohibited. Several hundred physical casinos and different gambling halls are currently active in the USA. In the states of New Jersey, Delaware and Nevada online casinos are completely legal.
Gaming legislation in the USA
Gambling legislation in the USA falls under the competence of local authorities. As it is stated in clause 15 of the US Compilation of Laws, the states are responsible for determining the list of available gambling games and the characteristics of their organization. As well as setting age, financial and other limits.
Let’s look at the examples of gambling legislation of some US states. On the territory of the states of Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Louisiana it is forbidden to participate in gambling. But in order not to violate the rules of the current gambling legislation, operators offer gamblers the possibility to visit floating casinos and clubs are mounted on transatlantic cruise ships and boats. In general, the majority of American citizens are in favor of gambling and wish that the gambling business will be completely legalized.
Gambling in the state of Nevada
The state of Nevada is the “heart” of the gambling business in the U.S.A. It is mainly located in cities such as Las Vegas, Reno and Carson City. In Nevada there are about 2,000 physical casinos, with a total of 6,000 tables and about 200,000 slot machines.
Before the global health pandemic caused by COVID-19, more than 50 million tourists visited casinos in Las Vegas, Reno and Carson City each year. In Nevada, all gambling businesses are allowed to gamble, but they are strictly regulated. Casinos that want to operate in Nevada must obtain a license and follow several requirements.
Gaming regulators in the state of Nevada
in Nevada The gaming industry in Nevada consists of two state gaming regulators that operate in cooperation:
- The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) is the body in charge of controlling the activity of casinos.
- The Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) is a state agency that processes applications for licensure, issues licenses, makes rules and regulations governing the operation of casinos, and applies penalties to casinos that violate the rules. In addition to applying fines, the Commission may withdraw the license.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB)
The 1955 Legislature created the Gaming Control Board within the Nevada Tax Commission, the purpose of which was to inaugurate a policy to eliminate undesirable elements in Nevada gaming and to provide regulations for the licensing and operation of gaming. The Board was also to establish rules and regulations for all tax reports that gaming licensees were required to file with the state.
The Board’s primary purpose is to protect the stability of the gaming industry through investigations, licensing, and enforcement of laws and regulations; to ensure that the collection of gaming taxes and fees is an essential source of state revenue; and to maintain public confidence in gaming. The Board implements policies that enforce state laws and regulations governing gaming through six divisions (Administration, Audit, Enforcement, Investigations, Taxation and Licensing, and Technology).
The Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC)
The Nevada Gaming Commission was created in 1959 with the passage of the Gaming Control Act. This law laid the foundation for what would become the modern regulation of gaming.
The Commission is comprised of 5 members appointed by the Governor for 4-year terms, one of whom serves as Chairman. The members of the Commission serve on a part-time basis.
The main responsibilities of the Commission are to act on the Board’s licensing recommendations and to decide on work permit appeals. The Commission is the final licensing authority and has the ability to approve, restrict, limit, condition, deny, revoke or suspend any gaming license.
The Commission also has the responsibility to adopt regulations to implement and enforce state laws governing gaming.
When the Board finds that discipline against a gaming licensee is appropriate, the Board acts in a prosecutorial capacity, while the Commission acts in a judicial capacity to determine whether to impose any sanctions.
Conclusion
The Nevada Gaming Commission and the Nevada Gaming Control Board govern Nevada gaming industry through strict regulation of all persons, locations, practices, associations and related activities. NGCB mission is to protect the integrity and stability of the industry through investigative and licensing practices, and to enforce compliance with laws and regulations, while holding gaming licensees to high standards. Through these practices, it can ensure the proper collection of taxes and fees that are an essential source of revenue for the state of Nevada.
