Prepaid wagering accounts might become a reality soon in Nevada as its Gaming Control Board weighs their potential impact.
When the Nevada Assembly enacted Senate Bill 9 in 2015, it tasked the board with finding ways to implement e-commerce into the gaming industry.
The push behind that measure is to bring Nevada gaming establishments more in line with the spending habits and desires of millennials, who are expected to reach a total population of 81 million by 2036 and already are the most numerous generation.
To do that, the Gaming Control Board might allow casino patrons to deposit funds onto casino loyalty rewards cards for use while playing slots and table games.
Nevada Regulation 5, however, bans gambling from prepaid cards, while Nevada Regulation 5A enables credited gaming accounts that can be used at state casinos.
A proposed change to Regulation 5 would enable wagering accounts, while providing a regulatory framework. The proposed rule is similar to current guidelines for online sports wagering, in which patrons must present a photo ID at betting location to register an account and deposit funds.
Opponents to the proposed regulatory change say it would lead to increased problem gambling.
Proponents say it’s a good way to promote more gaming among millennials.
The Nevada Council on Problem Gambling supports the proposed changes, so long as appropriate signage is placed cautioning patrons about the dangers of problem gambling. The council wants those signs placed at locations where patrons can deposit or withdraw funds from the wagering accounts.
The Gaming Control Board on August 11 conducted a public workshop to discuss proposed changes enabling the wagering accounts and promote skills-based gaming.
