Delaware on the Defensive, Considers Online PokerBill to Expand Gaming in the State to be Introduced Next Week |
|
In response to increased gaming competition from Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey, the state of Delaware is considering a plan to allow online bets, the governor’s office told Card Player.
“Our industry is on the severe defensive,” said Brian Selander, Chief Strategy Officer to Gov. Jack Markell.
The Gaming Competitiveness Act of 2012 is still being drafted and will be introduced by the end of next week, Selander said.
In addition to legalizing casino games on the Internet, the measure would allow an online lottery and expand keno and sports betting in the brick-and-mortar setting.
Selander said the bill has a good chance of passing. In order to become law in Delaware, the measure would have to navigate through both the House and Senate before landing on the governor’s desk.
“Delaware moves quickly, and we tend not to fight all that much,” Selander said.
Efforts are aided by a December 2011 legal opinion from the Department of Justice. In the letter, the U.S. government clarified the Wire Act, effectively rendering it obsolete in stopping intrastate wagering in cyberspace.
Selander said the opinion played a significant role in the state’s plans.
According to the American Gaming Association, Delaware’s three commercial casinos generated about $570 million in revenue last year.
Delaware is not alone in having an active proposal to legalize Internet gambling. Both California and New Jersey have bills inching along in their respective legislatures.
While Delaware anticipates peaceful progress, some lawmakers in California are digging in for political battle.
All three states are playing catch up with Nevada, which has already authorized the activity and is closing in on issuing licenses. A gaming regulator in the Silver State said on Wednesday that applications will hit agendas in May or June.
Follow Brian Pempus on Twitter — @brianpempus
Copyright © 2001-2024
CardPlayer.com. All rights reserved.
