However, despite it’s scary-sounding and intentionally misleading name, the UIGEA does not target individual gamblers in any way, and it does not apply to online Las Vegas betting sites based outside of America, such as those listed here. This mandate works in tandem with various local NV laws to prevent US residents in other states from gambling at Vegas online sportsbooks and – in most cases – at Vegas online poker rooms/card rooms.
The UIGEA law was enacted to prevent US-based financial institutions and payment services from “knowingly” processing gambling-based transactions to and from unauthorized gambling enterprises.
These US gambling laws apply to all states, and their effects are a double-edged sword in terms of industry growth inside Nevada and throughout the United States. Outside of the lack of Las Vegas casino online options (which is a reality fully within NV’s control), online gambling in Las Vegas is limited by two main laws, both of which are briefly explained below.