With travel to Las Vegas dipping, legislation will focus on maintaining the city’s appeal while ensuring stable gaming revenue
Nevada lawmakers are already signaling that 2026 could be an important year for policy discussions that may shape the future of Las Vegas casinos. Although the next full legislative session is scheduled for 2027, interim committees will meet throughout 2026 to review possible changes affecting gaming and sports betting.
A major topic drawing attention is the rise of sports prediction markets. Speaking at a State Bar of Nevada conference, Nevada Resort Association president Virginia Valentine warned that licensed casinos are increasingly competing with unregulated platforms that generate no tax revenue for the state. She urged lawmakers to consider ways to address what she described as growing pressure on legal operators.
Nicole Cannizzaro said prediction markets are now firmly on the legislative radar. Nevada is currently engaged in legal efforts to keep unlicensed operators out, while the Nevada Gaming Control Board has cautioned license holders about participating in markets that may violate state rules. Cannizzaro said lawmakers are still gathering information and weighing whether regulation or outright limits make more sense.
Additional scrutiny may fall on sports betting menus, particularly player prop wagers. Melanie Scheibel said her committee plans to examine whether current rules are sufficient, especially after recent scandals tied to prop betting in professional sports. She emphasized protecting Nevada sportsbooks while keeping outside competition in check.
