Harry Reid, Jon Kyl Trying to Solicit Support for Online Poker Bill
House Majority Leader Harry Reid has confirmed that he and Arizona Republican Senator Jon Kyl are close to a deal that would legalize online poker in the United States.
"Here's the issue, Sen. Kyl and I've worked very hard. What we need to do is get some Republican support. That hasn't been forthcoming yet," Reid told Tech Daily Dose on Tuesday.
The measure also seeks to tighten restrictions on other forms of online gambling including sports betting.
The Democratic aide said Reid is looking to his fellow Nevada senator, Republican Dean Heller and Kyl to sell the deal to other Republicans, according to Tech Daily Dose.
Reid is not without his agendas in wanting online poker legislation passed. His goal is to ensure Las Vegas casinos in his home state of Nevada oversee the regulation process (while benefitting from the revenues generated).
Individual states like Delaware have already passed legislation to allow online poker while New Jersey is expected to pass a similar measure come the fall.
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
