What US State do you think will be the first to legalize online gambling?

[MichaelCorfman]

Last week at the GIGSE conference in Montreal there was a strong sense among attendees that the legalization of online gaming in the states was inevitable. Many felt the combination of dire budget constraints at the state level, the tax revenue that could be raised, and the fact that the UIGEA makes it clear that states can offer online gambling within their borders has created a perfect storm for state-based legalization of online gaming.

GPWA reporters produced three stories covering what they heard about the legalization of online gaming at the state level. You can read them here:

www.gpwa.org/article/online-and-land-based-gambling-worlds-collide-at-gigse-193535

www.gpwa.org/article/some-betting-on-new-jersey-to-be-first-to-regulate-i-gaming-193606

www.gpwa.org/article/online-poker-bill-coming-soon-to-california-193586

Among many individuals there is a sense of being in a race to be the first state. A feeling that being first will confer economic advantages over the longer term.

So, for this weeks poll question I thought it would make sense to as GPWA members, after reading these stories, which state they think will be first.

Michael

[Simmo!]

Nj imo

[TheGooner]

Am I being dim - or is state regulation irrelevant until United States Federal laws are rewritten?

As I understand it as soon as either the player or the online casino operation is outside state boundaries then it becomes a Federal issue.

As ALL current operators are outside the US - how does any state law have any REAL impact on the potential of online gaming BEFORE Federal laws are changed?

Even if a state does change it's laws - and an operator does move to establish a United States location of operations - it cannot go across state boundaries with breaking Federal laws can it?

[Renee]

I reckon it will be CA.

[casinogod]

I think CA, Arnies state.

The bigger question is WHEN?

[GPWA Aaron]

Am I being dim - or is state regulation irrelevant until United States Federal laws are rewritten?

As I understand it as soon as either the player or the online casino operation is outside state boundaries then it becomes a Federal issue.

As ALL current operators are outside the US - how does any state law have any REAL impact on the potential of online gaming BEFORE Federal laws are changed?

Even if a state does change it's laws - and an operator does move to establish a United States location of operations - it cannot go across state boundaries with breaking Federal laws can it?

The UIGEA currently allows states to regulate Internet gambling if they can make sure that only people within the state can play, and that they can make sure no underage gambling occurs.

New Jersey's proposed regulations are written with the land-based industry specifically in mind. All servers would have to be located within Atlantic City, and the laws are written in such a way so that the bet would be considered to be taking place in New Jersey. And the legislation states that all that matters is where the server is located, not if the information crosses state lines.

I haven't read the other states proposals in depth, but my sense is that most state legislation will be similar. They'll be looking to give land-based operators a chance to enter the market.

[Anthony]

I think CA, Arnies state.

The bigger question is WHEN?

That is the million dollar question.

I do believe it will be state regulation before federal.

[UltimatePokerBonus]

Totally Cali - come on terminator! You can already grow and sell pot there - can we make a wager?!

[AmCan]

nevada.

years ago, say 8, i recall the NV legislature was ready to have gaming commission develop rules for online gambling, for those physically (residents and tourists) present in the state. The legislation specifically stated this was to be done in preparation for the federal government allowing states exemptions from wire act.

i was in vegas and heard it on the news and never heard anything more of it. i thought it had been passed, but maybe it had just "passed" out of committee.

Vegas will want to allow online gaming just to be able to let their hotel guests gamble from their rooms, while they shop, etc,

[LuckyLizzy]

I believe it will be New Jersey because the state has a wonderful proposal that includes all forms of online gambling- not just poker. Also, they have plans to provide headquarters for an organization that would license and regulate online casinos in the state. It seems to be one of the pieces of online gambling regulation with the most support so far.

[casinoyaya]

OMG--- Lucky Lizzy you took the words right out of my mouth.. I totally agree with you 100%

[Dominique]

Party Gaming and Harrahs are betting on California, as witnessed by the opening of an office in Los Angeles.

[Simmo!]

Vegas will want to allow online gaming just to be able to let their hotel guests gamble from their rooms,...

As an aside to this I read recently that IGT have developed true-networked land-based kiosks which - as I understand it - can run over a LAN and might actually lay the groundwork for providing an alternative down the line.

[my3sons]

nevada.

years ago, say 8, i recall the NV legislature was ready to have gaming commission develop rules for online gambling, for those physically (residents and tourists) present in the state. The legislation specifically stated this was to be done in preparation for the federal government allowing states exemptions from wire act.

i was in vegas and heard it on the news and never heard anything more of it. i thought it had been passed, but maybe it had just "passed" out of committee.

Vegas will want to allow online gaming just to be able to let their hotel guests gamble from their rooms, while they shop, etc,

I am not sure, but I don't think they have to have online gaming to pull this off. There are casino's here advertising portable gaming devices that allow people to place bets etc. using a portable device.

My point is that it would seem that they could use some secure form communication to allow their guests to gamble without using "online" internet gaming.

[RedlinedMarketing211]

I was happy to see this was getting quite a bit of coverage lately on CNBC. The US may have to open their eyes to all of the tax revenue they are losing out on, while also making it safer for their citizens that do play.

[Tinhorn]

That would be the ultimate for me, personally. Meanwhile I'm looking for a wagering portal that can bring my social networking game domain to life.

I'd appreciate any thoughts or comments:

http://footballpot.com/bid/index.html

[CSN Reyes Media]

I believe it would be interesting to have Online gambling legalized here in Vegas, the only thing casino's have to worry about is there is a clock on the computer screen, not in the casino's.

[bonusbeast]

I say California they need the tax dollars any way they can get them.

[dagus]

As soon as PA figures out what the Internet is, they'll quickly ban online gambling, but offer gambling through their "state stores." My guess is some other state other than PA

[contractor]

I pick New Jersey as the first state to have legalize online gambling. Economic side of it truly benefits NJ. Also gambling is a sure of state revenue as far as land based casinos are concern.