US Internet Betting Bill Proposed

The long running tale of the fight to legalise online casinos and poker sites in the USA has taken another twist in the last few days. A New York based representative named Peter King has brought a bill to the House of Representatives to try and push through the changes which would make these games legal all over the country.

The name of the bill is the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act of 2013. Essentially, it would let US players enjoy poker and casino games like roulette, blackjack and slots games on the internet. However, online sports betting is not included in the bill.  

Federal Oversight and Verification Steps

One of the key features of the proposal is the creation of a federal Office of Internet Gambling and Oversight, which would be a part of the US Treasury. To stop underage gamblers and problem gamblers from taking part in the games there would be steps put in place to ensure that they verify their age and identity.

Each state could also decide to opt out of the legislation if they didn’t want internet gambling to be made legal there. King said that that proposal would “ensure strong protections for consumers” as well protect the nation from underage and problem gambling.

Accounting firm Morgan Stanley has suggested that legalising internet betting in the US would produce a multibillion dollar industry. In fact, their projections suggest that the industry could grow to be worth $9.3 million by the year 2020.