CARSON CITY, NV -- State Rep. William Horne (D-34th district), the minority whip for the Nevada Assembly, introduced a bill on March 10 that would legalize Internet poker in Nevada. The bill, AB 258, would require gambling agency officials to draw up regulations regulators that would govern Internet poker operators and manufacturers. | SEE BILL
Under terms of the legislation, the Nevada Gaming Commission would not be able to prevent Pokerstars.com and other existing poker sites from obtaining a state license.
In effect, the proposed law would allow Nevada to become the legal base for Internet poker that could be played by citizens in other states, according to some experts.
Numerous poker sites have operated worldwide, and have accepted U.S. players and funds, despite a 2006 federal law that banned use of credit instruments for online gambling. According to The Wall Street Journal, the global Internet poker industry generates $5 billion in revenues per year. | SEE WSJ STORY
Caesars Entertainment Corp., the largest casino operator in Nevada and worldwide, criticized AB 258. Caesars officials are on record favoring comprehensive nationwide legalization.
Iowa, Florida and California lawmakers are also considering legalization of Internet gambling for citizens in their states. New Jersey's governor vetoed a similar measure in early March.
