Nevada Horseplayers: Racing Against Restrictions
For many enthusiasts in Nevada, the thrill of betting on horse races is an integral part of their lives. Regulars at the state’s race books, like my friend Chuck and his group of fellow horseplayers, have found themselves at a standstill due to the unforeseen circumstances brought about by the global pandemic. The closure of casinos and the suspension of sports events have left Nevada horseplayers in a lurch, searching for alternatives to fuel their passion.
Horse race betting has been legal in Nevada since 1949, with wagering initially allowed at turf clubs independent of casinos, and later expanded to casinos in 1975; however, Nevada prohibits online account-wagering platforms like TVG and TwinSpires from operating within the state, requiring bettors to use licensed local race books with in-person registration for phone or mobile betting.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Horse Betting in Nevada
Since March 17, the ability for residents to place legal bets on horse races has come to a halt. This is particularly frustrating for the community that frequents Nevada’s 85 race books, as the state mandates a third-party licensing requirement that bars popular online betting sites like TVG and Twin Spires from operating within its borders. Additionally, mobile betting options, which are typically available through local race books, are currently non-operational due to statewide casino closures.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board has not shown any inclination to amend its regulations to accommodate these unprecedented times. The stringent process to activate a phone betting account in Nevada—requiring in-person registration and verification—remains unchanged, despite the governor’s “Stay at Home Nevada” order.
The Struggle for Alternatives
The options for betting on horse races have significantly dwindled, with only a handful of North American tracks still operational. Yet, the Nevada Pari-Mutuel Association has managed to secure deals with a few, though not all, providing some hope. The economic rationale behind the continued inactivity of Nevada’s race books lies in the balance between operational costs and potential handle, a balance disrupted by the current crisis.
The historical context further complicates the situation. In the late 1990s, to protect local race books from losing business to direct rebates offered by some tracks to Nevada bettors, the state implemented strict regulations. These rules now prevent online horse race betting companies, many of which offer bonuses or rebates, from filling the void left by the closure of physical betting locations.
The Long-Term View
While frustration mounts among Nevada horseplayers, state officials and the Nevada Gaming Commission stress the importance of considering the long-term impacts on the industry. The commission, acting as a mediator between the legislative framework and the gambling industry, aims to uphold the sector’s integrity without making hasty decisions that could have lasting negative effects. Discussions about potentially integrating mobile race and sports betting accounts are on the table, but technological and regulatory hurdles remain.
Looking for Silver Linings
In the meantime, horse racing enthusiasts are finding creative ways to stay engaged with the sport. Some have turned to friends or family in states where online betting is permitted, while others have resorted to less conventional methods. Despite the challenges, the current situation presents an opportunity for horse racing to reinvigorate itself and attract new fans, thanks in part to increased exposure through partnerships with networks like NBC Sports Network and Fox Sports.
However, none of this changes the fact that Nevada horseplayers, like Chuck and his friends, are missing out on the action. The camaraderie and excitement of cashing in on a winning ticket at their local race book remain elusive dreams for now. As the industry and its enthusiasts navigate these uncertain times, the hope is that solutions will emerge that allow for the safe and enjoyable continuation of horse betting in Nevada.