Everything has rules, right? Right. The new generic top level domains are no different. Every gTLD has a set of rules that govern who can or can’t register a web address using that particular domain extension. But some rules are stricter than others. The geographic top level domains, like .London and .NYC are excellent examples.Unrestricted.London recently went public with unrestricted access to the domain. Anyone, anywhere, can register a web address with a .London extension. London is a global city and the .London domain is capitalizing on its popular European tourist destination status by allowing individuals and businesses anywhere to register web addresses using the .London domain.RestrictedMeanwhile, .NYC is much more restricted. In order to register a .NYC domain, the applicant must have a nexus to the city itself. If you’re looking to register a .NYC address, you need to live in the city, or have a business registered there. And please note that a post office box address isn’t going to get you past the nexus requirements either.There are a handful of other top level domains that are also restricted, and it’s up to owners of the domain to decide what restrictions they want to enforce, if any. Popular domains like .com and .net are widely used by registrants across the globe, though they were originally conceived to serve specific demographics..Vegas – Unrestricted All The WayThe good news is that unlike .NYC, the .Vegas domain is completely unrestricted. Like .London, when .Vegas goes to general availability, anyone world-wide will be able to register their domain and attach themselves to the Las Vegas brand..Vegas will enter the sunrise registration period starting June 2, 2014, which allows trademark holders to register their domains first. Anyone will be able to register their .Vegas domain by fall 2014. Learn more here.
