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Internet wagering bill may be considered in Nevada
Following a failed attempt in Congress this year to ban most forms of Internet gambling, a Nevada state legislator is drafting a bill that seeks to legalize and regulate gambling on Web sites that are based in that state.
Merle Berman, a Republican assemblywoman from Las Vegas, is in the early stages of drafting a bill, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. Berman said Las Vegas needs such legislation to keep pace with New Jersey, which is debating a similar bill, and specifically the Atlantic City casinos.
"The person who opens up shop first gets the repeat customer," Berman said. "But even more than Atlantic City, our competition is with California Indian gaming. California’s got all the techies."
Details of Berman’s proposed legislation are unclear, but she said the bill would allow Nevada to legalize and regulate Internet gaming companies that are based in the state. The Nevada Legislature will open its regular session on February 5.
The New Jersey bill, which was introduced by Republican state Senator John Bennett in May, also calls for Congress to establish framework for gaming laws to allow states to set up their own legislation.
Berman said she got the idea for her legislation after attending gambling conferences this year. Berman also has initiated meetings with unspecified casino operators to get opinions and suggestions.
Several prominent casino companies, including MGM Mirage and Harrah’s Entertainment, already have entered into agreements with Web development and operation companies to design sites that would give winning game players prizes.
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