Since Nevada voted to legalize gambling in 1931, it has been a major part of the state's history. Gaming companies have invested heavily in political campaigns for upcoming elections, mainly favoring Democrats, but sometimes donating to candidates from both major parties. The Nevada Gaming Control Board and the Nevada Gaming Commission are responsible for investigating the detailed background of casino applicants and regulating the sale of alcoholic beverages and ancillary business licenses. In 1997, laws were enacted to regulate the location of future casinos in counties with a population of 700,000 or more.
Advertising and public relations activities must be conducted in accordance with decency, dignity, good taste, honesty, and harmlessness. Changes to the approval process are expected to allow Nevada to introduce new technologies and games more quickly in the future. Betting on horse racing and professional sports at “grass clubs” was allowed in 1949. In Las Vegas, casinos located on the Strip must receive licenses from the Clark County Business Licensing Department, while those located downtown must obtain licenses from the City of Las Vegas Business Licensing Department. The definition of “game of chance” in Nevada is “any game played with cards, dice, equipment, or any mechanical or electronic device or machine to obtain money, property, checks, credits, or any other item representing value”. A “game of skill” is defined as “a game in which the player's skill, rather than chance, is the dominant factor affecting the outcome of the game, determined over a period of continuous play”.The impact of casinos and gambling on politics in Las Vegas is undeniable.
Gaming companies have been donating to political campaigns for decades and have had a major influence on local politics. The Nevada Gaming Control Board and the Nevada Gaming Commission are responsible for ensuring that casinos are operated responsibly and that all regulations are followed. Laws have been enacted to regulate the location of future casinos and advertising activities must adhere to certain standards. Betting on horse racing and professional sports is allowed in Las Vegas and games of chance and skill are both regulated by the state. The political influence of gambling in Las Vegas is undeniable.
It has been a major part of Nevada's history since 1931 and gaming companies have invested heavily in political campaigns for upcoming elections. Betting on horse racing and professional sports is allowed in Las Vegas and games of chance and skill are both regulated by the state.
