- The proposed amendment eliminates the need for a federal law or federal permission to participate in interstate online poker compacts.
- The Governor would have the authority to approve compacts under the proposed change.
Nevada lawmakers are considering an amendment that would legalize interstate online poker.
The current law authorizes online poker within the state, but requires a federal law or the permission of the Federal Government to partner with other states in offering a shared player pool.
Last year Nevada Sen. Harry Reid failed to squeeze internet poker into federal law. The proposal in Nevada wipes out wording in the current state law that prohibits a licensee to operate interstate gaming unless federal legislation authorizes it.
The proposal also gives the state’s governor power to make agreements with other states where online poker is legal.
One such potential partner is Delaware, which legalized online poker last year. A New Jersey bill to legalize online poker has passed through state legislature and currently awaits Governor Christie’s signature.
Meanwhile, a California state senator is redoubling efforts to bring online poker to his state, and there have even been recent rumblings about regulating online poker in Iowa.
Last month, the Nevada Gaming Commission officially granted Caesars Interactive a license to operate in the Silver State, bringing the number of licensed operators to 13.
“Any one state going on its own presents an economic challenge, particularly in a small state like Nevada,” MGM CEO Jim Murren said.