Unregulated offshore betting cost licensed gaming operators more than $17 billion in lost revenue nationwide last year, according to the American Gaming Association (AGA). The activity is now being targeted for elimination by Nevada.
Sen. Rochelle Nguyen (D-Las Vegas) has authored SB256, which would allow Nevada courts to impose stiffer fines beyond the $50,000 fine illegal gambling operators currently face if convicted of violating the state’s online gaming laws. The legislation proposes that certain offenses be converted from misdemeanors into felonies while adding a required “disgorgement” of any profits associated with the activity.
Nguyen said the idea for the legislation came from discussions she had during conferences hosted by the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States and with Nevada gaming leadership, including the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM).
