USA gamblers should read.......

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Obama administration cleared the way for U.S. states to legalize Internet poker and certain other online betting in a switch that may help them reap billions in tax revenue and spur web-based gambling.

A Justice Department opinion dated September and made public on Friday reversed decades of previous policy that included civil and criminal charges against operators of some of the most popular online poker sites.

Until now, the department held that online gambling in all forms was illegal under the Wire Act of 1961, which bars wagers via telecommunications that cross state lines or international borders.

The new interpretation, by the department's Office of Legal Counsel, said the Wire Act applies only to bets on a "sporting event or contest," not to a state's use of the Internet to sell lottery tickets to adults within its borders or abroad.

"The United States Department of Justice has given the online gaming community a big, big present," said I. Nelson Rose, a gaming law expert at Whittier Law School who consults for governments and the industry.

The question at issue was whether proposals by Illinois and New York to use the Internet and out-of-state transaction processors to sell lottery tickets to in-state adults violated the Wire Act.

But the department's conclusion would eliminate "almost every federal anti-gambling law that could apply to gaming that is legal under state laws," Rose wrote on his blog at www.gamblingandthelaw.com.

If a state legalized intra-state games such as poker, as Nevada and the District of Columbia have done, "there is simply no federal law that could apply" against their operators, he said.

The department's opinion, written by Assistant Attorney General Virginia Seitz, said the law's legislative history showed that Congress's overriding goal had been to halt wire communications for sports gambling, notably off-track betting on horse races.

so does this mean if this happens on the poker it will mean it will apply for the slots too, I:E microgaming returning to the usa shores, i really hope this is the case, my fingers are crossed for you all in the USA

gl all

LuckyRJ

im hoping as well 

I think this reverses all previos law's. And them seizing money as well. Quick tender still owes me 850 dollars. Could be cool.

I sure hope so EWalletExpress owes $450.

I interpret this as no federal blocks for the states to open online casinos.  This is exactly what n.j. wanted to do, but didn't because of federal law.  I don't think this is being done to help operators from other countries like microgaming.  It seems it's specifically for u.s. business and to be regulated within the state. 

Harrahs has casinos primarily in ac and vegas.  They would probably open their branded casinos online once this gets going.  There are many states in financial hardship right now and this should help them generate money (within us)...not europe, costa rica,etc.  Obama wants to get reelected too, so many states will apprciate this extra income and opportunity.  It will also provide jobs for many u.s. citizens.

well wouldnt it be nice to play and if u win get paid?

i have a few questions i dont know if anyone can answer.....

i did a search and i found the news story relating to this...

first question...

when will this happen? (how long until online gambling gets legalized in the usa)?

will this mean WMS slots would be able to open the market up to usa like they have in the land casinos in las vegas? and have jackpot party for usa too ?

this would be amazing, i really really hope this happens for all the usa people, freedom is key we deserve freedom, we should be allowed to gamble without a STATE saying we cant its madness,

i hope this happens very soon for you all gl all

LuckyRJ

I think they'll there will be a real push for first to market.  Nevada.nj, florida will be frontrunners most likely.  Pennsylvania has been very agressive too with land based, so I see them getting in on the action early too.

From what I've read, they want to bring on a partner experienced in online slot play but not something like mg.  Ceasars already opened online outside of u.s., so if that's going well then they may open it up in u.s.

Regarding Pennsylvania being "aggressive" with land based casinos... I live in the Pittsburgh area, and can tell you that the state has rooked every patron that has ever put a dollar into a slot machine at any Pennsylvania casino.  I can only hope that if internet gaming is approved, that state laws do not apply.  Pennsylvania takes 55% of ALL revenues from the casinos.  The slots are extremely tight, there are no progressive jackpots allowed in PA, etc.  The state has set up legalized extortion, and they are the only beneficiary. 

Casinos in PA are a blank check for the state - lets hope that internet gaming laws are not applicable to state laws, because it would be impossible for operators to make money, and patrons to win any money.

I know the payouts at harahs chester and parx have been terrible for quite some time.  Those places usedto be jumpin, but the players aren't fools for long.  That's why they've really increased the slot play coupons and gift card offers.  I go for those and walk out wth a few hundred every time.

Don't you think the online casinos are paying about 45 percent?  I think it may be less.  The difference is that you'll be paid if pennsylvania has an online casino so for me it's a better gamble.

Don't you all hold your breath. You will be blue for a while if you do.