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There are arguments on both sides of the equation as to which might be better for the player community in the US when it comes to legalizing online poker.
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Republican Senator Dean Heller want to push through federal legislation that would benefit their home state of Nevada. Casinos there want to become the hub of online poker in the US.
But will a federal bill as it reads now really make things better for those players currently residing in America?
Here is one individual’s assessment of the differences a la the TwoPlusTwo.com posting forums, and it may very well be an accurate analysis based on how the current federal legislation stands now:
Federal bill: Unlicensed sites shut down. 15 months at least to start licensed sites. State legislatures have to pass authorization to opt in. No place for players in states not opted in to play. Players liable to federal asset seizures for using any unlicensed site. US ring-fenced from rest of world.
No Federal bill: No change in status for unlicensed sites and players except under new state legislation. State authorized licensing likely to proliferate in next 3-5 years (although with a patchwork of regulations, some ring-fenced states and delays for combined player pools). International player pools on the horizon. Players may or may not be subject to penalties for play on unlicensed sites, but at least the federal govt won't be empowered for law enforcement actions against players.
- Nagesh Rath, Gambling911.com
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