Many of the penalties that can be brought on individual players are related to cheating during the game. Placing out-of-state bets, which could include playing at offshore sites, is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. Running an unlicensed gambling establishment is likely to result in felony charges. However, like most jurisdictions, gambling in Nevada is prohibited unless licensed, and it goes without saying the state is very serious about protecting its gambling industry. There are slots and video poker in grocery stores, drug stores, taverns, and even in the airport. There are 435 major casinos in Nevada, mainly concentrated around the Las Vegas, Reno, Lake Tahoe, and Laughlin areas.Īlmost any kind of gambling device is permitted in Nevada. Where to start? Las Vegas is the internationally renowned gambling and entertainment capital of America, and until the 1970s, Nevada was the only state in the US to have legal casino gaming.