State of Nevada considers legalizing online poker
A new bill introduced to Nevada state legislators would, if passed, allow millions of Americans to play poker online and is being praised for its definition of the game as one "in which success over the long term is determined by the skill of the player.."
The Internet gaming bill, that would allow residents and non-residents to play online poker, has been presented by Assembly Majority Whip William Horne, D-Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Review reports that this action was performed at the request of former Speaker Richard Perkins who was hired by PokerStars to lobby for the company.
The recent approval, by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, of the partnership between Caesars Entertainment and online giant 888 Holdings, is more evidence that local opinion, as well as federal leanings, may be focusing on eliminating online gambling prohibition.
The bill in question outlines strong criteria in relation to age, fraud, cheating and the license and fee-structure for operators.
Legislation of this type in Nevada would provide a benchmark for the sector due to Las Vegas’s reputation a world leader in the gambling industry. It would potentially permit players in other states to play on Nevada-based sites and this in turn who incur a further fee structure for operators: namely: "the licensee shall pay the license fee based on gross revenue at the rate of 4 percent on the gross revenue resulting from the play of players located in such other jurisdictions." Nevada Gaming Commission has the power to adopt regulations in amendment to the provisions of the act, on or before 31 March, 2025.
It is believed that the legislation is aimed to aid Nevada casinos after losing a record $3.4 billion last year.
