In passing new law, Nevada could act as host for online gamblers from outside its borders.
Nevada has become the first US state to legalize interstate online poker, beating New Jersey in the process and creating a potential framework to act as a host for gamblers from outside its borders.
Landmark bill
Governor Brian Sandoval signed the bill into law last Thursday, authorizing Nevada to create agreements with other states that would allow local companies to host online gambling for non-Nevada residents. The law effectively creates a nationwide framework for Internet gaming, despite the failure of federal regulation attempts.
This comes as big news not only for online gamblers from around the United States, but also for the several companies that have been granted or are waiting to be granted Nevada online poker licenses. These firms could be about to cash in, as the licenses could potentially give them access to customers in all 50 states.
What does it mean?
The new law removes a provision requiring federal legislation or US Department of Justice approval before online gaming licenses become active, according to a statement by the State of Nevada. Legislators indicated that the state would begin with online poker licenses, but then continue toward other forms of online gambling.
Industry insiders also believe this new law could provide the spark for New Jersey and other states to move ahead with such legislation, which would open up the online market in an unprecedented way. This could be just the news that tens of millions of US online gamblers have been waiting for.
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