Nevada state governor Brian Sandoval has signed a bill, dubbed Senate Bill 240, amending the pari-mutuel wagering rules and thus paving the way for esports wagering to be legal in Nevada.

The bill is sponsored by Clark County Republican Sen. Becky Harris and has been signed into law by the governor, Sandoval, over the weekend. The Bill, which becomes effective on July 1st, will see pari-mutuel betting systems include competitive gaming. The bill sees “sporting events or other events” added to the “off-track pari-mutuel system” section of the Bill, which thus allows wagers. “Other events” has been added throughout to add to the likes of horse and dog races and general sporting events.

Esports remains a buzz word in Las Vegas, with recent plans for the Luxor to house a multi-tiered dedicated esports arena, and Millennial having already opened a 15,000 square foot space in Vegas. The Nevada Gaming Control Board has already allowed esports wagers to be taken – but this bill effectively adopts the approach into legislation.

William Hill has previously taken bets on events that have taken place in Vegas, including IEM and DreamHack and it looks as if the trend is set to continue. Nevada, of course, remains tightly regulated and whilst esports wagering may now be in the legislation those wishing to take wager on esports must still adhere to the strict guidelines outlined by the Nevada regulators.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with the Esports Integrity Coalition and this is another step that may assist Las Vegas in becoming an “esports hub”.

Esports Insider says: The latest move from Nevada goes further to foster a safe environment for legal esports betting. As we, as an industry, still try to leave behind the dark past of skin betting it is vitally important that bodies such as the NGCB, the UKGC and ESIC continue their vigilant work against potential match-fixing and corruption. Esports in its current state arguably still resembles a target but creating a well regulated environment for those who wish to bet is undeniably integral.