Representative Dismayed Over Online Poker Community's "Lack of Cohesiveness"Before there was a Barney Frank immersing himself in the world of online poker and prior to Alfonse D'Amato being named Chairman of the now powerful Poker Players Alliance, there was Jim Kasper
(R-Fargo, ND). Kasper was one of the first politicians to push for regulation of online poker, and was nearly successful in doing so.
His plan called for online poker websites to move to North Dakota where - aside from freezing during the harsh winters - would be able to legally operate on US soil, not to mention Chicago is only an hour away from Fargo, North Dakota by plane and Minneapolis is within a 3 hour driving distance.
Sportingbet, which at the time owned the number three online poker room, Paradise Poker (remember them?), went on record as saying they would move much of their North American facing operation to North Dakota in a heartbeat.
And while much has been made of the new Democratic government in office, it is never fair to suggest that all Republicans are against the online gambling. This is most certainly a bi-partisan issue. In fact, one of the Republican Presidential candidates, Ron Paul, has already gone on record as saying that the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act passed in October is essentially a "ridiculous law".
Gambling911.com's own Kira Wissman had an opportunity this week to catch up with the North Dakota representative.
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Representative Jim Kasper (R-Fargo, ND) had stepped out of the limelight for a period of time, after creating a whirlwind of excitement about his 2005 legislation seeking to legalize online poker rooms in his home state of North Dakota. Gambling911.com decided to check in with Rep. Kasper to see if there had been any developments since we had last spoken to him.
To bring those not familiar with Rep. Kasper and his beliefs about the online poker industry up to speed, Rep. Kasper was the father and prime sponsor of bills HB 1509 and HCR 3035. these bills were introduced during the 2005 North Dakota legislation session and sought to license and regulat online poker companies who would agree to re-locate to North Dakota. HB 1509 set forth the rules to regulate, license and tax the online poker rooms, and HCR 3035 was the amendment to North Dakota's constitution that would legalize online poker.
The bill was welcomed warmly at first. The House of Representatives voted unanimously to pass both bills and the legislation moved to the Senate. Unfortunately, a letter from the Department of Justice sent to North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem caused the bill to fail miserably in the Senate. The letter stated that these bills may be in violation of federal laws. The Senate was not convinced even after legal opinions had been from several renowned and respected attorneys.
After speaking with Rep. Kasper this week, we learned that nothing had been done with respect to the legalization of online poker during North Dakota's 2007 legislative session. North Dakota only holds session every 2 years, so the next session will not be held until 2009. When asked, Rep. Kasper declined to divulge what plans, if any, he had for the 2009 legislative season. He prefers to keep the opposition guessing.
Rep. Kasper mentioned that the federal legislation passed earlier in the year seemingly banning online gambling really put the brakes on any of his legislative plans. While he firmly believes that legislation had more bark than bite, he realized that he would fight a nearly impossible battle by trying to push any state legislation through in 2007.
He also expressed dismay at the online poker's industry's lack of cohesiveness and organization. He has reached out numerous times with suggestions on what these online poker rooms can do to help legitimize themselves, and has received little, if any, response. This is shocking given the growing popularity of the online poker industry.
Because of the recent influx of political candidates supporting (either directly or indirectly) online gaming, this is good time to bring some of Rep. Kasper's views on how to structure any future online poker legislation. He feels that this issue is strictly a states' rights issue. This type of decision should be left up to the individual states to decide, and in no way falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government.
Rep. Kasper expressed great pleasure that there were a number of political candidates with favorable views on the legalization of online poker. He would love to get involved and assist in any way that he can. He welcomes contact from any poker organization or political candidate who would like to discuss the issues. He firmly believes that it will take a unified, cohesive effort to get any sort of legislation passed.
No matter what the federal government attempts to do, the facts remain: Poker is a $300 billion a year business in the United States alone. Federal legislation will do little to stop it. State regulation would increase the states' coffers, allow control of underage and compulsive gambling, and create a signfiant source of employment for the U.S. economy.
Rep. Kasper called for the online poker industry to get actively involved in contacting him, and the other political candidates with favorable view on online gambling. These include presidential candidate Ron Paul (R-TX), former Senator Alphonse D'Amato, Chairman of the Poker Player's Alliance, and Florida Congressman Robert Wexler. Poker organizations and enthusiasts need to get in touch with these individuals and show their support!
The public is overwhelmingly in favor of legalized, regulated online gaming. Do NOT let the federal government's intimidation tactics stop you from voicing your opinions. Fight to retain the personal privacy and freedom this country was founded upon!
Rep. Kasper welcomes comments and discussion any time. He can be reached at
Phone: 701-232-6250
Fax: 701-232-0796
E-mail: jmkasper@amg-nd.com
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Kira Wissman, Gambling911.com
Originally published August 1, 2007 10:57 am ET
