Proposed changes to Nevada’s online poker legislation are being interpreted as a smart move by the state to remove the obstacle of prior federal approval following the failure of yet another Congressional attempt at legalisation by Sen. Harry Reid.
Importantly, the amendments move legalisation beyond a mere intrastate approach to one which makes provision for interstate agreements, widening possibilities for shared player pools – a key concern in state-by-state internet poker legalisation initiatives.
Removing the need for prior federal legislative approval before an operator can extend efforts beyond Nevada’s borders should prove popular with licensees, who already include a number of major Las Vegas-based gambling companies, as it will improve player liquidity and hopefully get around the seemingly endless problem of Congress finally agreeing to legalise internet poker.
With states like Delaware, New Jersey and perhaps California clearly keen to develop online gambling businesses, the possibilities for interstate agreements look promising.
The amendment proposes giving the Nevada governor authority to engage with other states that have intrastate legalisation legislation in place in order to negotiate mutually beneficial agreements that permit operators in each to work together, providing a deeper and better experience for the punters and enhancing business.
Nevada’s Legislature is scheduled to discuss the proposal early this (2013) year.