Nevada Could Raise The Stakes On Internet PokerCost Of Obtaining A Two-Year License Could Jump To $1 Million |
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A new bill in Nevada proposes to make some changes to the state’s existing online gaming law, and it’s reportedly creating some friction between the governor and other lawmakers.
Included in the measure is a provision that would raise the licensing fee for operating an online poker site from $500,000 to $1 million. According to the Las Vegas Sun, Gov. Brian Sandoval, a Republican, opposes that specific revision and wants it out.
Renewing a two-year license would also cost $500,000, up from $250,000.
A separate measure could also add a tax to the profits from poker tournaments.
The legislation comes despite Jim Murren, CEO of MGM Resorts International, in May 2012 telling the Nevada Gaming Policy Committee — a group which met to discuss possible law changes — that he was interested in seeing the fee reduced.
Also in the text is language concerning companies who did business in the United States post-December 2006 — in the wake of the passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. Some companies left the American market then, while others stayed.
The bill would prohibit regulators from giving a license to such a firm for a period of 10 years. However, Nevada could waive the prohibition if it’s determined that such firms complied with all applicable laws after Dec. 31, 2006, while still doing business in the U.S.
Nevada, which legalized online poker in the summer of 2011, has yet to see any of its companies take real-money bets. With a population of less than three million, many in the industry are hoping the state enters into partnerships with other jurisdictions that have also authorized Internet play. Nevada lawmakers are also considering that future.
For news, updates and daily tournament information, check out the Nevada landing page.
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