Professional gamblers in Nevada get lifeline

Professional gamblers would not normally be allowed to file for unemployment insurance benefits in Nevada, but circumstances have changed amid the COVID-19 pandemic, reports the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

These workers may qualify as independent contractors or self-employed “during this unprecedented time and under the CARES Act,” said Rosa Mendez, a spokeswoman for the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation.

Professional poker player Chris Konvalinka told the Review-Journal last month that he was considering filing for unemployment benefits. “We’ll see. I’m going to give it a shot,” he said. “It seems like a free roll to me. Worst case, they say no.”