Massachusetts State Representative Dan Winslow (R-Norfolk) has proposed an amendment to gambling legislation that would authorize online poker in the state. The amendment requires that “internet poker games consist of games of skill and not games of chance.”
However, the proposed rake structure is cause for concern. “[A] rake of 10 percent from the amount of all monies wagered in each game, and require payment to the commonwealth of no less than 70% of the rake or other net proceeds to the licensee” would be “excessive” for cash games and allow “no room for player incentives” according to Martin Shapiro, Florida State Director for the Poker Players Alliance.
The amendment calls for a “draft of legislation” no later than July 1, 2012 and it is scheduled to be debated later next week.
