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

[Nandakishore]

The state that goes bankrupt first. In other words, I haven't the slightest idea.

[contractor]

The state that goes bankrupt first. In other words, I haven't the slightest idea.

Well in that case there are a couple of states that's in the red right now. California is one of them. But they'll be able to pick-up little by little.

[Badlands]

California. I am originally from there, and it is a completely different world.

[Skinski]

My guess is California.

[APCW]

I predict the first U.S. State to legalize online gambling will be Florida in 2011.

[Tinhorn]

Suppose, for example, that New Jersey becomes the first US state to legalize online gambling.

What will that mean for residents of the other 49 states? Will there be federal reprisals for players who play on sites hosted out of NJ but reside elsewhere?

[Aaron@Jackpot-Games]

Suppose, for example, that New Jersey becomes the first US state to legalize online gambling.

What will that mean for residents of the other 49 states? Will there be federal reprisals for players who play on sites hosted out of NJ but reside elsewhere?

Hi Tinhorn,

Yeah, I guess that will be the case. Operators in a state the legalises gambling will probably have to prevent players from other states from playing, much like we do for restricted territories now, i.e. through IP monitoring, KYC checks etc. Will be interesting to see how both operators and states will regulate it all though...

By the way, my gut says California - it doesn't have the established offline casinos of New Jersey or Nevada and therefore probably has the most to gain.

Cheers,

Aaron
Jackpot Games Affiliates

[Marit VS]

My bet is definitely on Florida:

http://www.pokernews.com/news/2009/0...poker-6539.htm

I also saw the keynote presentation at the iGaming Super Show by Florida Representative Joseph Abruzzo and it seems that interesting things are happening on that front.

[WildmanSC]

my guess would be california. though i wish i could say it would south carolina.

[pokerseeker]

According to an article on The Press-Enterprise’s web site, “The legislation by Sen. Rod Wright, who leads the Senate committee that oversees gambling, would make California the first state in the country to legalize online poker, with potentially billions in revenue for the beleaguered state treasury… Wright's bill, expected to be in print Tuesday, would let the state Department of Justice award five-year contracts to up to three California-based operators to run legal online poker websites. The operators would have to meet various legal, technical and financial requirements.”

Makes sense to legalize and tax it. I understand from family poker players that it is legal to play in person in CA, since it is a game of skill not just chance, so why not on line? Or rather, why not participate in the revenue stream which is drifting away elsewhere.

[MarcinS]

California because they`re always first

my second choice is Delaware

[gyelloz]

I would have to go with California for a few reasons:

1. Our budget is f'd up, and we need money. A lot of money.
2. We have legalized marijuana, which is still illegal according to USA federal law, and have still managed a way to collect taxes on the stuff.
3. Most people in California don't care about "morals," which is usually the defense against legalizing gambling.

Even if it is still illegal according to federal law, the federal government must enforce the law for it to really have any effect. With the whole medical marijuana issue, President Obama instructed the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) not to waste their efforts on busting weed stores if they abide by state rules. As a result, the DEA really eased their enforcement compared to when Bush was president, and they would raid the shops quite randomly, regardless of whether or not they were following state laws.

We all know that cash is king, and in desperate situations (like today's economy), desperate measures will be taken (hopefully legalizing online gambling).

[HBKKH]

Cali for sure. They are about to legalize pot and need more tax rev.

[Miss B]

I agree with the majority. California will be the first state to legalize online gambling. The state is currently strapped for cash. They have lost billions within the past years and legalized Internet gambling would generate much needed tax dollars.

[Easy Star]

Into my opinion will be California, the most free stats from US, but can be anyone first, we need a pioneer to do that.

[Casinorep]

I'm hoping California.