Interstate Online Poker in the US: Nevada Governor Sandoval’s Plea

Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval wants to pass legislation that would permit Interstate online poker through the formation of compacts. 

He insisted Nevada lawmakers should move forward quickly and that the Nevada Gaming Control Board create a measure eliminating Nevada's statutory barriers to interstate online poker.

"Other states are moving quickly on this issue, and I ask you to pass a bill within 30 days," he said.

New Jersey could pass a law as early as next month.  Governor Chris Christie has until February 3 to either sign a measure that sits on his desk or otherwise veto it. 

“Any one state going on its own presents an economic challenge, particularly in a small state like Nevada,” MGM CEO Jim Murren said.

Proposed changes to a current law allowing intrastate online poker were submitted last week.  The judiciary committee will first consider the bill, however, there is no timetable as to when it might be approved.

To date, Nevada, a state with just under 4 million people, has issued online gaming licenses to 17 operators.

- Chris Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher