Joe Barton, Republican representative from Texas, recently stated his belief that poker “is a game of skill and it shouldn’t be outlawed.” He is just one of many senators, congressmen and US federal officials who believe it is time to legalize the pastime which many millions of Americans already enjoy online. And Barton is also just one of many who are pushing for online poker passage by the end of 2012. That is a very tight timetable, and the subject of gambling in any form is always a dicey one. But two states have already passed online poker legislation this year, so anything’s possible.
Poker
Delaware, Nevada All In – NJ Next US Online Poker State
With Delaware’s passage last week of legislation legalizing online casino gambling, they joined Nevada as the only two states with laws allowing legal online poker play in the US. California only weeks ago seemed to be at the forefront of the race to become the next state after Nevada to legalize online poker play, but it is currently just treading water in that regard. Ohio, Illinois, Hawaii and New Jersey are at varying spots along the journey to passing some type of online poker bill, but it looks like New Jersey could be the frontrunner in the race to be the next state to join Delaware and Nevada with an “All In” bet for online poker.
Nevada Likely to Partner Up for Online Poker
You probably have heard by now that Nevada became the first state to legalize online poker within its boundaries for its residents and visitors. And while online poker players in that state are ecstatic that they will now have a safe, regulated American poker product to enjoy, actual play maybe some time away. Yes, the first round of interactive gaming licenses has been dished out to the states two largest slot machine manufacturers, and word is that at least three more suppliers will probably receive licenses this month. Industry analysts predict that as many as 20 Nevada online gaming websites could be launched in 2013.
Nevada and Delaware Racing to Offer First-Hand of Online Poker in the US
On December 23 of last year, the United States Department of Justice reversed their long standing position on the legality of online poker in the United States. Considering any online gaming for money in the past as illegal, just two days before Christmas of 2011 the US DOJ delivered a holiday present of their new ruling that allows each individual state to develop and regulate their own online poker policy. Nevada has long been the cornerstone of gambling in the United States, and they quickly passed legislation allowing legalized online poker play for their residents and visitors, the first state to do so.
Stockton California Bankrupt – Can Online Gambling Save CA
Stockton California this week became the largest city in the history of the United States to declare bankruptcy. But if online poker had been adopted in California, could this have been prevented? With state debts piling up nationwide, the regulatory and licensing fees alone could provide a much-needed shot in the arm for states struggling to finance their governments. And with millions of Americans already participating in online gambling every day, why not allow that money to stay here at home and benefit us in our own backyards?
Online Poker One Step Closer in Delaware
Texas Hold ‘Em is probably the hottest poker game online or off right now. The game is played in stages, and after each of the players initially receives two cards face down, a round of betting ensues. This is called the “pre-flop” stage. After that initial betting round is concluded, the remaining players get to see three cards turned face up on the “flop.” The players see another round of betting, and then a fourth card is turned face up on “the turn” or “fourth street.” If any players remain, they go through yet another wave of betting before seeing “the river” or “fifth street.” Final posturing and betting by all the remaining players eventually leads to a champion, who takes them pot.
First Two Nevada Internet Gaming Licenses Secured
Americans love winners. Need proof? Ask anybody who won last year’s Super Bowl, and even the casual sports fan will tell you the New York Giants. But even though last year’s game broke the record for total number of US viewers, with over 111 million Americans watching game, which makes it the most viewed television broadcast of any kind in American history, most people forget who came in second. Can’t remember? The New England Patriots came in second place in what is regarded as one of the most important sporting contests held annually, and by next year’s game, no one will remember them.
New Jersey Wins Another Big Online Poker Hand
New Jersey legislators on Monday, June 18 approved an Internet gaming bill by a vote of 6 – 0 – 3. That is important for several reasons, but mostly because the statehouse goes dark as soon as the state budget is resolved, with the earliest possible date being June 30. The specifics of the bill dictate that Atlantic City casinos could become hosts of online poker play, and every step forward is one step closer to New Jersey becoming only the second state to ratify legislation allowing legalized Internet gaming for their residents and visitors.
Wynn Resorts Ready to Shuffle Up and Deal Online in Nevada
Wynn Resorts Limited is a gambling mainstay in Las Vegas, and one of Nevada’s largest casino operators. Recently, the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) received an application submitted by Wynn Resorts asking for approval to purchase one of the first online gaming licenses to be offered by that state. Nevada was the first state to pass legislation allowing online poker play for pay for its residents and visitors, something that was legally impossible until the United States Department of Justice reversed their opinion regarding the legality of online gaming in the United States late last year.
Delaware Inches Closer to Online Poker with House Passage
As reported here last month, the House Gaming and Parimutuels Committee in Delaware voted on May 17 to pass a proposed online gaming bill forward to the House of Representatives in that state. Approval by the Delaware Gaming Authority doesn’t mean automatic acceptance of the bill by the House, but it is an important first step nonetheless. After the bill sponsors got together and made two amendments to House Bill #333, the resulting piece of legislation was evidently satisfactory to ensure passage, as the vote was a resounding 29 to 8 in favor.