Online Poker Regulation Might Soon be a Reality in USA
Online Poker Regulation in the USA
Legalization of online poker in the United States might be around the corner
The latest buzz in the online poker world is the regulation and legalization of online poker in the United States. There appears to be a consensus building up among influential individuals in the US Government supporting the idea of an online gambling regulation, with online poker being widely supported. This has raised hopes among the online gambling community that the Congress may pass a bill that allows Americans to play online casino games. In other words, American people expect to be able to play online casino games legally. And, they are optimistic about the bill being passed during the current session of the Congress, which might be by the end of this year.
Some important people in the Government who are in favor of the online poker regulation include Senator John Kyl, Senator Harry Reid and Speaker of the House John Boehner. These influential figures support at least some form of online gambling regulation, although no one knows how exactly this regulation will work. There are very few details on what the bill would look like or how it would regulate online gambling activity. But, the optimism is there. Even the American brick and mortar casino operators who were opposing this development because of the expected competition from online poker rooms have now begun to accept the idea.
The American gambling industry is anticipating the federal legislation regulating online poker. Several gambling industry bigwigs are making preparations to grab the opportunity when it comes – they are into discussions with online gambling software providers so that they can quickly develop online poker sites and begin operations as soon as the bill is passed.
Poker is considered as a game of skill unlike other casino games which are games of chance. Congress is well aware of this distinction which is perhaps the biggest motivator for the increased support to the legalization of online poker. As Ceasars Entertainment CEO Gary Loveman said in a recent interview, it is legal for Americans over the age of 21 to play online poker, but it’s not legal for an American company to provide the service. This is a bizarre situation which some members of the Congress realize must be changed. Presently there are various credit and budget issues plaguing the American economy at both state and federal level. Legalizing online poker is seen as a way to build up the country’s revenues without increasing taxes. This is another reason for support for the bill.
In fact, Gary Loveman in his interview to the Financial Times put forth a convincing argument in favor of legalizing online poker. He says that legalizing online poker would not only create the regulatory environment for the poker industry, but it would also create thousands of jobs. According to him, thousands of American people would find jobs working for online poker companies. Looking at all these plus points, Loveman feels that the legalization of online poker is inevitable; it will happen sooner rather than later.
![mobilecasino[1]](http://www.latestpokernews.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/mobilecasino1-83x55.jpg "mobilecasino[1]")