Florida Senate Committee Passes Internet Poker Bill

The state of Florida is closer to legalizing Internet poker after a bill sailed through the Senate Committee.

Sen. Miguel Diaz de la Portilla, R-Miami, the sponsor of SB 812, told the Miami Herald: 

“What we have here is a bill that is very carefully crafted.  What we’re trying to do here is generate revenue for Florida residents of $10-40 million.”

“We’re protecting Florida consumers from having their identity stolen from having financial information stolen, from being easy prey from entities that operate offshore -- outside the long arm reach of the United State.'' 

Some 600,000  to 900,000 Floridians are estimated to play poker on the Web.  The state expects a boom when it comes to the live tournament circuit as well after approving high stakes games late last year. 

The measure passed with two no votes from Sen. Jim Norman, R-Tampa, and Sen. Steve Wise, R-Jacksonville.

- Ace King, Gambling911.com