Nevada Committee Looks to Combat Offshore Online Gambling Sites

A Nevada legislative committee is studying what the state can do to protect its fledgling online gaming sites from offshore competition. The committee is also studying the changing effects new technologies such as social gaming is having on the industry.

A Nevada legislative committee studying the impact of new technology on the gaming industry will also explore ways Nevada can protect its licensed online poker sites from competition from illegal offshore casinos.

A recommendation to consider options was made at the inaugural meeting of a 13-member interim study committee, according to published reports.

Topics discussed by the committee included online gaming legislation, the clash between restricted and non-restricted gaming licensees and the effects new technology has on mobile and social gaming.

The committee is developing proposals for the 2015 legislative session.

One of the biggest challenges to the state is competition from illegal offshore sites, the committee members said, but acknowledged that offshore gaming sites still fall under federal gaming laws.

Committee members also want a status report on Gov. Brian Sandoval’s efforts to develop gaming compacts with other states that have legalized online poker.