First US Online Poker Network Launched

The United States has its first legal online poker network following the signing of an agreement between Atlantis Internet Group and Cake Gaming.

The agreement, which was signed on September 7, means online poker will now be offered legally in more than 30 US states through Tribal Gaming Network.

It was made possible by a special exemption in the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, which effectively banned online gambling in the US but allowed for "certain exceptions to Indian casinos, to interracial online gambling activities and to the states that allow online gambling activities under an intra-constitutional framework law."

Atlantic Group CEO Donald Bailey hailed the new agreement, calling it a solution to tribes and states facing economic problems at a national level.

Meanwhile, the battle to legalize online gaming in the US continues.

In California, an updated version of the intrastate e-gaming bill is expected to come up for a vote in the state legislature before the end of 2010.

And federally, Congressman Barney Frank's Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act, better known as HR 2267, is awaiting its turn to be debated in Congress after passing through the House Financial Services Committee in August.