Nevada Expands Casino Wagering Accounts for Broader Use
The Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) has unanimously approved amendments to Regulation 5.225, marking a significant step forward for the gaming industry.
The new regulation allows patrons to use funds in wagering accounts not only for gambling but also for purchases within licensed establishments in Nevada, such as restaurants, bars, and retail shops within casinos. However, these changes apply exclusively to non-restricted licensees, meaning casinos. Restricted licensees remain excluded from offering wagering accounts.
Key Details of the Amendment
The updated rule enables more flexible use of funds while maintaining regulatory guardrails. Transactions must occur within Nevada and involve licensed establishments or their affiliates. Previously, patrons could only use the accounts for gambling, and any other use required fund transfers, incurring significant fees for operators.
Sightline Payments, a leading advocate for the change, highlighted the inefficiencies of the old system. Jennifer Carleton, Sightline’s chief legal officer, explained that current restrictions force operators to bear substantial transfer costs, amounting to millions annually.
“We applaud the Nevada Gaming Commission and the Gaming Control Board for these changes,” said Sightline CEO Omer Sattar. “This update will enhance the customer experience for casino patrons.”
Debate and Concerns
Despite broad support for the concept, commissioners expressed concerns over oversight. The updated regulation allows the Nevada Gaming Control Board chair to approve new uses for accounts. Commissioners were wary of this provision, citing Nevada’s dual-regulatory system, which separates day-to-day operations from final decision-making.
Commission Chair Jennifer Togliatti emphasised the importance of maintaining the commission’s authority: “We’re here for a statutory reason, and as time goes by, it’s kind of just being eroded.”
Gaming Control Board Chair Kirk Hendrick argued that more flexibility is essential for innovation: “If the commission gets involved in day-to-day operations, it will slow down the process… We need to keep pace with other states.”
Next Steps
The commission approved the changes with the stipulation that a report on the new system’s implementation and requests for account expansions be provided in December 2025.
Commissioner George Markantonis noted the enthusiasm likely to follow: “Every single casino will be lining up for this.”
This amendment is viewed as an intermediate step, with potential for further deregulation in the future as the industry continues to push for greater flexibility in gaming payments.
