Inserstate Online Poker Bill

When the Majority Whip from the Nevada Assembly introduced AB258, his intentions were clear: legalize intrastate online poker. But this has not been sitting well with heavy hitters in the Republican camp such as NJ Governor Chris Christie. Amidst growing antagonism towards intrastate online poker, the PPA (Poker Players Alliance) is hoping that Senator Harry Reid will make it a point to give momentum to this initiative.

The driving force behind Horne’s bill

The word is out and it’s Rational Entertainment Enterprises Ltd which is pushing hard to get this bill into the legislature. This company – otherwise known as PokerStars is based in the Isle of Man. The beneficiaries of such a bill include the likes of PokerStars and FullTilt – currently in the USA poker market. Various legal loopholes suggest that the Commission should not unduly reject an offer for the issuing of a license from an operator based on the operator being licensed outside the current market. The specific text comes replete with legalese and is riddled with clauses and requirements. Suffice it to say that the process is taking time and if and when it comes to the right person for signature into law, it will be a massive victory for online poker in the USA. The Nevada bill being championed applies only to online poker. The agreement contained within the bill allows Nevada to do business with other jurisdictions, but only with regards to online poker gaming.

Other hot gaming news on the horizon

Caesars Entertainment which operates the WSOP will team up with 888.com’s Dragonfish to provide services to the UK and showcase the World Series of Poker. Moves to legalize intrastate gaming were vetoed by NJ Governor Chris Christie. No constitutional override is likely to take place. Even in Nevada – the silver state – gaming on the internet is not likely to pass Federal legislation. Real life casinos will counter the challenge by online poker rooms.

It makes sense therefore that PartyPoker and FullTilt will be rebuffed by the big casino operators. For now it’s looking none-too-hopeful that online poker gaming is going to generate waves in the Federal approval pool. What is sure, is that online poker will continue to be accessible as long as US regulations are unable to close loopholes allowing for its continued enjoyment throughout the country.