More work needed before internet gambling returns to US
Posted by Chloe Flint on 10 Nov 2009 at 13:11
The internet gambling world will need more support from traditional casino groups if it is to succeed in a bid to become legal again in America, according to reports.
Efforts in the US are ongoing to make gaming over the web legal again, with one of the most recent developments a bill introduced by Robert Menendez of New Jersey, which would mean games of skill are exempt from the legislation, including the likes of poker, chess and backgammon.
This proposal follows an earlier plan introduced in the spring by a powerful House Committee chair, Barney Frank.
However, the Financial Times reports that no matter how procedural matters slow down the plans, no new American internet gambling law plan is going to get through without the consent of Senator Harry Reid, who is the senate majority leader.
Quoted by the newspaper, John Pappas, executive director of the Poker Players Alliance, said: "I would agree that Harry Reid is critical to any gaming issue that is going to move through,”
"We're hopeful we can continue to educate him."
However, he is thought to still believe that regulation of online gaming is too tricky.
Bubbling beneath the surface of the debate is the stance of the offline casino industry, with some of the industry's biggest players divided over the issue.
Harrah's Entertainment and MGM Mirage are behind the idea of allowing some online betting, while Wynn Resorts and others are against it.
Meanwhile, Federal officials are still seizing the funds which move between gambling companies and their clients.
