Nevada Gaming Regulator Denies Pressuring Casino to Drop Prediction Market Conference

Nevada Gaming Board Disputes Venue Change Claims

The Nevada Gaming Control Board has publicly refuted allegations that it pressured venues to cancel prediction market events, following claims from the Predict 2026 conference that regulatory interference forced its relocation from Las Vegas to New York.

A spokesperson for the Nevada Gaming Control Board told CoinDesk that the agency "did not direct, request, or otherwise pressure any licensee or venue to cancel or decline to host any recent or upcoming event or conference, as has been suggested."

The statement comes after Predict 2026 organizers announced they were moving their conference from the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas to New York, citing regulatory pressure from Nevada gaming authorities as the primary reason for the venue change.

Casino-Free Events Continue in Las Vegas

Despite the controversy surrounding Predict 2026, other prediction market events have successfully taken place in Las Vegas. Earlier this month, the Prediction Conference, which featured prominent Polymarket traders, was held in the city—though notably at a hotel without casino facilities.

"We had a successful event last month that was attended by several stakeholders and will be hosting a second edition in November again in Las Vegas," Ish Milly, founder of the Prediction Conference, told CoinDesk. "Our venue is off the strip and not in a casino."

The Nevada Gaming Control Board emphasized that gaming licensees are expected to adhere to all federal, state, and local statutes and ordinances and must prevent any occurrences that may bring discredit to the state or the gaming industry.

Nevada's Ongoing Legal Battle with Prediction Markets

Nevada remains embroiled in a broader legal conflict with the prediction market industry. In April, a state judge ruled that Kalshi's prediction markets were "indistinguishable" from gambling, extending the platform's ban within Nevada's borders.

This ruling underscores the fundamental tension between prediction markets and traditional gambling regulation, particularly in states with established gaming industries like Nevada.

Federal Regulator Draws Distinction

At the federal level, regulatory officials are attempting to draw clearer boundaries between prediction markets and sports betting. Michael Selig, chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), recently told Axios that sports betting and prediction markets are "two separate things."

Selig also revealed that the CFTC is collaborating with major sports leagues on market surveillance and other market integrity measures, signaling the agency's growing involvement in overseeing prediction market platforms.

Bipartisan Call for CFTC Leadership

As the CFTC's role in policing prediction markets and crypto trading expands, congressional leaders are pushing for complete agency leadership. A bipartisan letter from key members of the U.S. House of Representatives has requested that President Donald Trump appoint a full slate of commissioners to the CFTC, including Democratic members.

The top Republican and Democrat on the committee overseeing the agency argued that comprehensive, bipartisan leadership is essential as the CFTC takes on increasingly complex regulatory responsibilities in the digital asset space.

The dispute between Nevada regulators and prediction market organizers highlights the ongoing regulatory uncertainty facing the industry, particularly regarding where events can be hosted and how these platforms should be classified under existing gambling and commodities laws.