Nevada state Assemblywoman Merle Berman yesterday introduced a bill that would legalize online gambling in the world's premier gaming destination.
The bill, which is sponsored by 33 of the state's 42 assemblymen, would authorize the Nevada Gaming Commission to "adopt regulations governing the licensing and operation of interactive gaming."
Should it pass, Berman's legislation would allow resort hotels already holding unrestricted gaming licenses to operate real money online gambling services. All revenue from Internet casino operations would be taxable, as is the case for brick-and-mortar casinos.
The language of the bill is somewhat vague, and leaves many of the specific details up to the gaming commission. It will, however, authorize the commission to regulate the growth of the online gaming industry, and enable Nevada casinos to tap into this exploding market.
Two of the major players that currently operate play-for-fun online casinos, MGM Grand and Harrah's, have made guarded statements to the effect that they support Berman's initiative. They, along with Park Place Entertainment casino, which also offers free online gaming, would be the most obvious beneficiaries of this legislation.
Berman told the Las Vegas Review-Journal, "My bill is a vehicle to make people think about it and get the discussions going." The Gaming Control Board will decide when and if we are ready." She went on to note "I know we can do a good job on interactive gaming if we start small and learn how to do it."
In addition to regulatory issues, the bill will also address the need to restrict access for minors and problem gamblers. It states that the gaming commission must provide "reasonable assurance" that these criteria are met.
The bill does not necessarily restrict bets to persons residing in Nevada, however. Internet gambling is technically illegal in the United States, but the proposed legislation only states that players must be "communicating from jurisdictions where it is lawful to make such communications."
Although a similar online gaming bill in New Jersey is not expected to pass, the Berman bill looks fairly certain to succeed. It has the support of the majority of state assemblymen, the Nevada casino industry, the gaming board, the gaming commission, and the Nevada Resort Association.
Both the gambling industry and players stand to benefit if the bill passes. Nevada casinos will be able to tap into the estimated $4-6 billion dollar online gambling industry, and gamblers will have the benefits of Internet play with the stability of traditional brick-and-mortar casinos at their disposal.
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