Mississippi is the Latest State Aiming to Offer Online Poker
Phil | February 27, 2012
Mississippi is the fifth US state to take steps towards introducing an intra-state online gaming bill, which is certainly good news for poker players hoping to get back into online poker after the events of Black Friday on April 15.
The southern state’s decision to consider a bill—provided by Republican representative Bobby Moak and named the Mississippi Lawful Internet Gaming Act of 2012—follows similar moves in Iowa, New Jersey, Nevada, and Hawaii.
Western state Nevada has already adopted their bill and is now moving towards making online poker a reality. Meanwhile, the mid-western state of Iowa recently presented the Senate State Government Committee with their own potential bill for consideration relating to intra-state poker.
Moak’s bill aims to legalize and regulate all internet gambling, including poker as one of the main options. This development is a significant step forward for poker enthusiasts who have been eagerly waiting for the chance to legally play online poker again. If passed, this bill could pave the way for a more widespread acceptance and regulation of online poker across the United States, providing a secure and enjoyable environment for players.
Bill provides masses of important information
The extensive bill provides detailed guidelines and proposed foundations for regulating internet gaming. It establishes policies and methods for applications and licenses, sets standards for internet providers, and includes safeguards for players and employees.
Any business aiming to provide internet gambling within the state must first be granted a license by the Mississippi Gaming Commission. Additionally, they must pay fees of at least $200,000 before being considered. Renewal of licenses by companies will require an application fee of at least $100,000.
The bill stipulates that players must be at least 21 years old to participate in internet gambling, including poker. Furthermore, a non-refundable deposit of no less than $100,000 must be paid by every license applicant.
These provisions are designed to ensure a well-regulated and secure environment for internet gambling within the state. The Mississippi Gaming Commission will oversee the process, ensuring that all operators meet the stringent requirements and maintain high standards of conduct. This thorough regulatory framework aims to protect both players and employees, fostering a safe and fair online gambling environment.
Licensed firms cannot offer gaming to employees
Employees of licensed companies who wish to participate in internet gambling will be prohibited from signing up to any website run by their employers. The bill also stipulates that fines ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 will be imposed on anyone who “knowingly” alters, tampers with, or manipulates “software, computers, or other equipment used to conduct internet wagering.”
The proposed law emphasizes that the Mississippi Gaming Commission will only permit gaming equipment, including computers and software, to be used for internet gambling once they have been “specifically tested and approved.”
Additionally, the bill provides important information for American poker players hoping to return to online play after the US Department of Justice (DoJ) closed poker sites like PokerStars, Absolute Poker, and Full Tilt Poker last year. It includes provisions for depositing funds into websites via money orders, cash, and checks.
These measures aim to ensure a secure and transparent online gambling environment. By prohibiting employees from participating on their employer’s platforms, the bill seeks to maintain integrity within the industry. The strict penalties for tampering with gaming equipment and the requirement for rigorous testing and approval by the Mississippi Gaming Commission further enhance the reliability and fairness of internet gambling in the state. Additionally, the various methods for depositing funds provide flexibility and convenience for players, facilitating a smoother transition back to legal online poker.
Inactive accounts will have funds removed
However, if an account is left inactive for over 12 months, all funds will be paid to the gaming licensee. The company must then pay half of that sum to the commission while retaining the other 50%.
It’s a lot to consider, but let’s hope there is some development over the next few months so poker fans in the States can get back to playing the virtual version of the world’s best game.
Meanwhile, as mentioned earlier, Iowa has seen their online poker bill passed by the Senate State Government Committee with an 11-4 vote in favor. This follows the legislative sub-committee’s approval of the bill earlier in the week. While the bill has faced criticism, Republican Senator Rick Bertrand, who represents the Sioux City area of Iowa, believes this is not “an expansion of gambling” but rather “an expansion of freedom.”
This progress in Iowa is a positive sign for poker enthusiasts across the country, indicating a potential shift towards more states legalizing and regulating online poker. As states like Mississippi and Iowa make strides in this area, it raises hopes for a broader acceptance and normalization of online poker in the United States, providing a safe and regulated environment for players to enjoy the game they love.
Iowa republican backs state bill
No committee member spoke in opposition to the bill, but one Democrat and three Republicans registered a ‘no’ vote. Republican Bill Dix, who represents Shell Shock, believes the bill will ultimately protect Iowa citizens from disreputable companies.
However, this positive vote does not automatically mean the bill will pass through the full Senate. Local and national news website KCRG News reported that Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal, a Democrat representing Council Bluffs in Iowa, has stated that internet poker has just a 50/50 chance of gaining approval.
While these odds might not be fantastic, as all poker players know, they’re not bad either. Most of us would accept those odds when placing our hole cards on the table for a showdown, so there is still plenty of hope.
Remember to regularly check back with the new Online Poker Sites US for all updates concerning US online legislation and much more. This will ensure you stay informed about the latest developments in the push to legalize and regulate online poker, giving you the best chance to get back in the game as soon as possible.
- Share this:
