Online Poker Bill to Be Discussed in Iowa
Later this month, Iowa State Senator Jeff Danielson will be proposing a bill which will regulate poker in the state. His proposal comes in the wake of the U.S. Department of Justice’s memorandum clarifying the nature and intention of the 1961 Wire Act, which is intended to apply only to sports betting, and not to online gaming.
Since the clarification of the ruling, many states have moved to consider relaxing their online poker rules. Those states include New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, and California. It’s likely that many other states will follow suit.
Danielson said of the proposal “We believe by the end of this year you will see a handful of states continue to authorize it. Because of the DoJ’s opinion, we believe you’ll see very quickly multi-state compacts”.
The clarification of the bill hasn’t changed everyone’s minds, though. There are still many senators that are against gambling, and will fight any expansion of it. It’s going to be an interesting time for our poker playing friends in the states.