Since the arrival of the cell phone technology, many casinos in Las Vegas and across the U.S have imposed a series of rules prohibiting the use of cell phones and other electronic devices at the sportsbooks. Anytime a customer takes his/her phone out of the pocket, a security officer would rapidly show up to remind the customer the fact that no phones were allowed within the race and sportsbook area.

This week the Nevada Gaming Commission has taken the decision of lifting the ban on certain communications equipment, including cell phones and portable computers in the sports books.

The reason is simple, the new technology has made the rule harder to implement, while it also requires lots of personnel and continuous surveillance that costs lots of money.

The Gaming Commission is aware that cell phones can be used by some customers for illegal or interstate wagering activities; send messages to street bookies, place bets on behalf of another party, etc. However, the Nevada Gaming Commission wants to lift the ban for one year to simply determine if the rule needs to be restored of if it can be permanently lifted.

Another concern is the gamblers that may be comparing odds and searching “middle” lines at the Las Vegas Casinos while they inform their partners about “vulnerable” odds. Nevertheless, most casinos update their lines using advanced and automated communication systems that keep all the casinos informed about possible changes before any sportsbook changes or adjusts the lines. Also, the casinos and sportsbook managers will keep some rules regarding the use of cell phones for interstate play; but beside that issue, calling is now allowed in Nevada and even wireless laptops are expected to be permitted in the next months, giving bettors the chance to make a quick online research before they place their bets.