Nevada recently had a bill introduced to its state legislature that would have the Nevada Gaming Commission license online poker providers, as long as they meet standards set forth by the state.
One important thing the bill states is that poker providers cannot be denied a poker license in Nevada just because they operate unlicensed presently. This is huge for companies like Full Tilt Poker and Pokerstars, who have a major hold on the online poker market. It would also be big for companies looking to get back into the United States after withdrawing a few years back after the UIGEA.
Another important aspect of this bill is that if Nevada legalizes online poker, other states could soon follow suit. New Jersey has also been keeping a close eye on online poker, so if Nevada makes the move successfully, the US could soon see many other states do the same.
The bill also defines the game of poker as a game of skill over the long-term. This could help the perception of the game of poker in the eyes of many who believe the game is all luck. The proposal may also help federal legislation.
Players should definitely keep an eye on this. This could be the start of legalized online poker throughout the United States. Here’s to hoping the state of Nevada gets the ball rolling.