Fresh Gambling Updates from JTodd and APCW

Each week brings with it screeds of news from the global online gambling industry. However, finding the gems from such a large volume of information can be tough. And this is precisely why we are delighted to have JTodd back making his informative weekly news videos for the Association of Players, Casinos, and Webmasters (APCW).

JTodd had been sick for an extended period, so we would like to take this opportunity to welcome him back on the scene!

Perspectives Weekly is the name of JTodd’s weekly video show that is shared on YouTube. Coincidentally, JTodd was able to make it back for the first week of 2015 to mark his new start after having to miss a month of work. Now, thankfully, we have him back to share his insights on the industry’s most important gambling issues.

US Legislation: Renewed Federal Ban?

The first issue addressed by JTodd in his inaugural video for 2015 was the potential threat for to adjust the Federal Wire Act that could see online gambling outlawed on a federal level.

At present, states like Nevada, New Jersey (NJ), and Delaware have all circumvented the act by implementing their own legislation to legalise online gambling for their residents. However, the United States Congress decided against taking prohibitive measures at the tail end of 2014.

That said, there will be an on-going threat during 2015, with the Republican Party expected to further strengthen its political grasp. Nevertheless, JTodd does not believe that a US ban will majorly impact the online casino industry. Instead, he is more concerned about the tax and regulatory changes recently made in Europe and the UK.

California and NJ Issues

California assemblyman Mike Gatto proposed a bill back on 1 December to legalise online poker in the state. As ever, though, there was no mention of online casino prospects. In his latest video update, JTodd appeared unconvinced of any imminent breakthrough for online gambling legalisation in California.

Meanwhile, there is change afoot in NJ, where affiliate news sites have thus far been able to partner with online gambling operators by way of a simple service agreement. However, there is a chance that this could change, with affiliate partners potentially subject to stringent verification checks and licensing.

In offering his perspective on the matter, JTodd felt that such a change would be prohibitive and that affiliates would ultimately be deterred from working in what is currently a limited market in NJ.

We look forward to next week's updates about the comings and goings of online gambling. Welcome back JTodd!