Readers will recall some excitement last year (see previous reports) when it appeared that a gutsy state representative in North Dakota, Jim Kasper might achieve the legalisation of online poker in the state.
U.S. media reports this week had a more pessimistic flavour, quoting the politician as saying he was about to abandon his initiative due to lack of financial and public support.
Kasper’s first efforts failed last year, when a bill he sponsored to legalise online poker in the state was defeated with a hefty majority. Unabashed, the politician apparently approached a number of online poker companies to help him fund a second attempt, estimating the cost of this at around $1 million. Kasper also spoke at trade functions and shows in an attempt to grow his support from the industry.
Some months later, the media report that Kasper’s efforts to legally sanction online poker are nearing their end. He is alleged to be frustrated by the lack of both public and industry interest in his efforts, with a lack of financial support increasing his feeling of futility.
Kasper blames the fragmented character of the online poker industry for the apparent lack of unity and says that several bodies in the online gaming sector have voiced support but failed to provide funding.