Poker Only Federal Bill Released
A poker-only federal bill was released this week. It was obtained by Nevada political reporter Jon Ralston. There is evidence that Caesars Entertainment may be behind the bill, according to an update on Ralston’s website. It is not the work of Sheldon Adelson or Las Vegas Sands.
The bill is titled the “Internet Gambling Prohibition and Control Act of 2014”. There are currently no sponsors for the bill.
The bill would allow online poker, however, it would ban most other forms of online gambling. Lotteries receive an exemption in the bill to sell tickets to daily drawings. Lotteries and commercial enterprises would not be able to spread slot machines or any other game considered to be house banked. Horse racing and fantasy sports are exempted.
States would have to expressly authorize online poker. States could then offer online poker through lotteries, commercial casinos, and tribes. Age and location verification would be required under the bill.