Internet gambling, online wagering, Vincent Gray, Barney Frank, Internet gambling legalization, Chris Christie, Internet poker, online poker, amusements
Legislative activity designed to create regulated online poker or other Internet gambling in the U.S. has been increasing in recent weeks. In addition to bills pending in California and Iowa, new legislation or regulation has been introduced to legalize online wagering in Hawaii and Washington, DC.
The latter was signed into law by Mayor Vincent Gray as part of the annual budget for the nation's capital. Gray announced that online poker is now legal in certain wi-fi "hot spots" across the city. However, since the District of Columbia is a federal zone controlled by Congress, a House oversight committee will have final say on the measure. | SEE STORY
Separately, bipartisan sponsors in the U.S. Senate have reintroduced the national Internet gambling legislation that was promoted in earlier years by Sen. Barney Frank (D-MA).
Internet gambling legalization has suffered some setbacks. As reported earlier by VT, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie vetoed a bill to legalize online poker in March. | SEE VT STORY
An Internet poker legalization bill died April 2 in the Florida Senate on a key committee's tie vote, which means the measure will not be passed along to the full body. | SEE STORY
