Despite the promises of jobs, increased tax dollars and the potential of technology businesses locating to Nevada, a lobbyist for the casino industry told lawmakers Thursday one important aspect would keep them from approving Internet poker in the Silver State.
Gambling on the Internet is illegal in the United States.
The Assembly Judiciary Committee heard almost two-and-a-half hours of testimony from supporters of Assembly Bill 258, which would allow the Nevada Gaming Commission to adopt regulations for Internet poker.
Opponents of the bill, namely lobbyist Pete Ernaut of RR Partners who was representing the Nevada Resort Association, took only 30 minutes to lay out their arguments.
Ernaut expressed his belief that Internet gaming will eventually be legalized in some form. However, he also said the activity was illegal, even though federal prosecutors have never charged a gambler for wagering on the Internet.
“Lack of prosecution by the Department of Justice should not be interpreted as a lack of interest,” Ernaut said.
Until the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act, which made it a crime for banks and other financial institutions to process transactions used in online gaming, is reversed, there is no reason for Nevada to pursue Internet gaming.
Backing comments made previously by executives from casinos giants
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