2014 and 2015 were slow years for online poker gaming after Delaware, New Jersey and Nevada launched their respective online gambling sites. We did see Delaware and Nevada team up for interstate gaming but what about the rest of the country? Several states have showed interest over the past few years, but legislation was never passed to see a state join the three who are seemingly operating the industry on their own.
Will 2016 be the year that momentum is gained in regards to legislation in the United States for online poker gaming? Some think yes, after two years of issues, that this may be the year that other states become involved in the online poker industry.
Over the past few years, opponents have been strong against online poker gaming, especially Sheldon Adelson. The Las Vegas Sands CEO has held fast to his anti-online poker gaming beliefs and has done everything he can to try and stop the activity on a federal level. His Restoration of America’s Wire Act actually came under scrutiny towards the end of 2015, with even republicans stepping forward showing opposition to the measure.
For 2016, it seems the spotlight will be shining on California and Pennsylvania. Both states were being watched last year and it was believed at least one would have passed legislation, but it was not to be. Both seem to have their own issues as to why the legislation proposed did not see movement but it seems that this year the two states will be able to work on the problems at hand to find a legislative measure that will at least get the ball rolling.
Pennsylvania seems to be the closest to passing legislation for online poker, with Representative John Payne’s measure moving through the House Gaming Oversight Committee back in November. The measure was reformed in December with a motion to allow video gaming terminals to be placed in taverns and restaurants, a move that is frowned upon by the casinos in the state. This could cause controversy for the bill to be passed.
In the state there are 12 casinos, 11 of which are supportive of online gaming. The last holdout is of course a venue owned by Adelson. Legislators of the state have been looking at online poker as a way to fix the pension deficit. Payne believes his bill will move forward this spring, and if so, would have to then go through the State Senate and then gain the signature of the Governor to be approved.
California may show interest but has been discussing online poker legislation for eight years now. The state is in a fight between card rooms, Indian tribes and race tracks as to who should be involved in the online poker gaming. While some feel everyone should have the opportunity to take part, race tracks and brands such as PokerStars included, others feel the tracks have no spot in online poker and companies like PokerStars, who operated after the UIGEA was put in place, do not have a right in the state to be involved in the industry.
Bills have been introduced only to fizzle out as these invested parties cannot come to an agreement. It will be interesting to see if this year, each group can put aside their differences and come to an agreement so the state can begin to offer online poker gaming.
For now, it seems these two states are the ones with the potential to enter the industry. However, you never know who might pop up and show interest as the New Year is quite young!