At least 10 U.S. states are considering legislation to legalize or expand internet gambling this year, according to an organization that tracks gambling-related legislation worldwide.
But a “gambling compliance” investigation found that domestic laws to regulate Internet poker were unlikely, and online anti-gambling opponents were expected to make a major effort to stop it in Congress.
So far, three states have allowed Internet gambling: New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware. According to the report, new or expanded proposals for Internet gambling could be considered in California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
“In 2013, 10 states considered legislation to legalize online casino-style gambling, which was a historic high,” said Chris Krafcik, the group’s head of research. “This year is becoming at least that busy.”
In California, one of the biggest potential markets, Indian tribes are trying to agree on ways to legalize Internet poker. Tribal leaders from both leagues met last month and made progress, but said they still need more time to reach an agreement. The report said a bill is likely to be passed before the Aug. 31 deadline.
A bill to legalize internet gambling in Mississippi was repealed Tuesday after the state legislature failed to take action against it. Gambling Compliance said Nevada may also consider expanding online gambling, which is currently limited to poker.
The bill predicts that Delaware, where internet gambling is starting to slow, will seek cross-border agreements with other states to increase the number of betting companies, a tactic New Jersey is also considering. One bill awaiting review by the New Jersey Legislature will create a new kind of license that will allow Atlantic City casinos to accept weekly and foreign bets.
New Jersey’s 15 internet gambling sites grossed nearly $8.4 million from the end of November to the end of last year. The state of New Jersey is scheduled to release its January revenue figures next week. 온라인카지노사이트
The report reveals little hope for a national bill to legalize internet poker, noting that the politically risky one is an unlikely midterm election year. In fact, it said pro- and anti-gambling advocates are vying for a seat in the U.S. Senate, which is considering a blanket ban on internet gambling. That’s the goal of Las Vegas billionaire Sheldon Adelson. He’s funding a campaign to ban online gambling.
