Nevada’s Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has issued fresh guidance aimed at keeping tabs on how its licensees run online gambling operations beyond state lines—and in some cases, across the globe.
New Oversight for a Growing Online Footprint
As online gambling expands, so too does Nevada’s interest in how its license holders and applicants operate in foreign markets. A new policy notice, Notice 2026-04, sets clear expectations for both current licensees and affiliated entities doing business abroad—especially when offering games to players outside of Nevada.
The Board’s message is clear: it’s not enough to claim ignorance when dealing in jurisdictions with murky or hostile gaming laws. Companies tied to Nevada licenses will be held accountable for knowing where and how their games are being accessed.
One Rule, Many Models
The guidance spans a wide range of business setups. Whether you’re a B2C operator taking bets directly, a B2B platform powering other brands, or an aggregator syndicating games across sites, the same rules apply. The NGCB wants all Nevada-linked entities to vet foreign jurisdictions thoroughly, regardless of the business model or how far removed they are from the end player.
Unsurprisingly, relying on local regulators’ inaction won’t cut it. The NGCB reminded companies that just because a country hasn’t cracked down doesn’t mean it’s open for business. If there’s no law explicitly allowing online gambling, licensees should tread carefully.
Due Diligence or Bust
Licensees are expected to perform deep due diligence before entering any foreign market. That means more than a quick legal check—it involves reviewing internal compliance policies, consulting with lawyers, involving compliance committees, and possibly reaching out to the Board’s own Investigations Division.
In some cases, businesses using third-party distributors or platforms can rely on their partners’ legal assessments—but only with the right contractual safeguards in place. These include the ability to cancel deals if red flags pop up, and proof of ongoing legal oversight.
Still, Nevada licensees carry the burden of proof, especially when operating in jurisdictions flagged as problematic.
The No-Go List
The NGCB also laid out its criteria for so-called “presumptively prohibited” jurisdictions. If a country has laws banning online gambling or has previously taken enforcement actions (think DNS blocks, payment blackouts, or cease-and-desist letters), then Nevada licensees must assume it’s off-limits—unless they can prove otherwise.
Countries named in the guidance include China, India, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and several others. The list is subject to change, and companies wishing to operate in these regions must provide a thorough justification to the Board before launching or continuing any services there.
Record-Keeping and Ongoing Reporting
The new rules also require operators to keep a register of their legal assessments for every jurisdiction they touch. That means recording the rationale behind why a country is deemed suitable, or not, for offering online gambling products.
If you’re already operating outside the U.S., expect a short leash: the Board wants a full list of all current jurisdictions within 60 days of the notice, plus quarterly updates going forward.
And don’t expect to set it and forget it. The Board says licensees must re-evaluate the legal status of every market they serve at least every two years.
What This Means for Players and Operators
For players, this won’t change much directly—unless you’re trying to access Nevada-linked platforms from a blacklisted country. For operators, though, it’s a reminder: if you want a Nevada license, you need to play by Nevada’s rules everywhere you go.
