William Hill Gets Nevada License

The UK based company William Hill PLC has officially obtained an internet gambling license from the Nevada Gaming Commission. This is a landmark decision for the state and marks the entrance of William Hill PLC into the American market.

Back in 2006 the US Department of Justice (DoJ) enacted the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) which brought the US internet gambling market to an abrupt halt. Recently though many of the 50 states have decided to go out on their own and change the laws at a state level since the federal government does not look like it will repeal the act anytime soon. Many Americans still gamble on the internet despite it being illegal which poses problems for players and casino operators alike.

The fact that Nevada has awarded William Hill PLC a license to operator even in a limited capacity shows that the states are no longer willing to wait for the federal government’s approval. The license only allows William Hill PLC to operate an online sportsbook but the company is already looking towards the next step and hopes to have its already submitted internet casino license application approved as soon as the laws allow for it.

In addition, William Hill PLC has invested a large sum of money into the development of mobile gaming and expects this aspect of internet gambling to be a hit in the states as it is elsewhere in the legalized gambling markets. Currently, William Hill PLC is taking about $25 million per week in mobile wagers and there is no slowing down in sight.

Only time will tell which other states will choose to follow in Nevada’s footsteps by authorizing internet gambling in their own states.