The prospect of online gaming bills passing in the past few years have ebbed and flowed as the economy of the US has languished. Now, several states are considering bills for online "intrastate" gaming.
While the US Justice Department considers online gambling to be illegal, an estimated 10 million players in the US are still playing "live" poker online for virtual but all too real money. The US cut off most funding avenues for players, but internet gambling continues, and more states are looking for any avenues to prop up unbalanced budgets.
While gaming companies like Caesars Entertainment would like to see nationwide online gaming allowed, smaller casinos and casino groups could see some help for their bottom lines if individual states pass intrastate gaming. The first bill to be approved and sent to a state governor is the one on New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's desk.
The Republican governor has a few hours left to veto or sign the bill. If he does, countless other states will have to ponder the feasibility of similar bills, and even with a veto, there are other states considering the tax money to be gained with an intrastate gaming bill.
Will the US Government consider allowing nationwide online gaming or perhaps poker in the future? The income potential may be too great to resist, and a huge step forward may be just a few hours away!
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