Staying on top of interactive gambling bills as they move through the United States' federal and state legislatures no longer entails hours of research. Starting today, IGN is featuring a semi-monthly update on U.S. state and federal legislation. Following is a rundown of bills that are living and breathing for the time being.
| NEVADA | AB 296, AB 578 |
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| Bill Summary | AB 296 would permit interactive gambling sites to operate from Nevada. A companion bill, AB 578, would set forth the necessary licensing fee structure for interactive operators. |
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| Bill Status | Pending action in State Senate. |
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| Latest Action | The two bills were combined into a single bill, AB578, which was passed by a vote of 37-2 in the State Assembly. The bill is headed for consideration by the State Senate. |
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| Outlook | Unsure. This bill has garnered great support in the state assembly. Except for disagreement regarding the actual cost of licensing sites, most aspects of this bill have faced little opposition. The amended version of the bill is expected to pass with little opposition in the State Senate.
Should the bill pass, which looks likely, Internet gambling remains a couple years from becoming a reality in Nevada. There has been no determination whether the federal government could prevent a state or territorial government from offering interactive gambling services. In addition, no definitive decision has been made regarding whether the Wire Wager Act prohibits games of chance in addition to sports wagering activities. |
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| NEW JERSEY | A-3150 |
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| Bill Summary | Would permit legally licensed casinos in New Jersey to offer Internet gambling. |
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| Bill Status | Sent to committee. |
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| Latest Action | The bill was introduced with great fanfare on January 18. Since then, A-3150 has been sent for consideration by the Commerce, Tourism, Gaming and Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, where it remains. |
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| Outlook | A-3150 has received little of the same support even among land-based operators as that given to the bill in Nevada. Given the lack of support the bill has received, coupled with politicians jockeying for preeminent position regarding interactive gambling legislation, A-3150’s chances of passing look weak. |
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| U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS | Bill No. 24-0046 |
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| Bill Summary | Bill would put in place a regulatory structure to permit interactive gambling from the Virgin Islands. |
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| Bill Status | Awaiting a second hearing. |
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| Latest Action | Bill was heard by the Senate Committee for Economic Development, Agriculture and Consumer Protection. After extensive testimony, the committee decided to write several amendments to the bill. The next hearing takes place on May 7, 2001. |
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| Outlook | Unsure. Like the Nevada bill, there has been no determination whether the federal government could prevent a state or territorial government from offering interactive gambling services. In addition, no definitive decision has been made regarding whether the Wire Wager Act prohibits games of chance in addition to sports wagering activities. |
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| CALIFORNIA | AB 1229 |
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| Bill Summary | A bill to ban interactive gambling. |
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| Bill Status | Passed out of the Public Safety Committee. |
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| Latest Action | On April 24 the bill was passed by the Public Safety Committee with amendments changing the penalties for California residents found guilty of gambling over the Internet. Previously, those found guilty would face a $100 fine, but the changes to the bill now make the first offense chargeable with a $25 fine. Californians would subsequently face a $100 fine for each additional offense. The bill now faces consideration by the Appropriations Committee. |
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| Outlook | Based upon the background of the bill’s author, Assembly Member Dario Frommer (D-Glendale), AB 1229 has good chance of passing. Frommer previously worked as appointments secretary to California Governor Gray Davis and as an advisor to Gray in previous positions. Frommer also served as a chief of staff to former Senator Art Torres. On the other hand, the California legislature has been battling an energy crisis that has sent rolling blackouts throughout the state. This issue has taken precedence over many other matters facing the state government. AB 1229 could end up fading from consideration for this reason, dying before a full vote by the California legislature. Previous bills that would ban interactive gambling in California have failed. |
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| OREGON | SB 755 |
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| Bill Summary | Prohibits Internet gambling. Bill would also make gambling debts collectable. |
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| Bill Status | Passed Senate, referred to House subcommittee |
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| Latest Action | Amended so that racetrack hubs can offer interactive betting services via the Internet as part of a closed loop system. Passed Senate and sent to House on April 2, thereafter bill was advanced to House E-Government Committee on April 11. |
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| Outlook | Good chance of passing. The bill garnered support among state banking and financial groups early on. With its latest amendments, 755 has been able to appease concerns from account wagering companies currently based within Oregon. |
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| OREGON | HB 2823 |
| Bill Summary | A bill prohibiting Internet gambling. |
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| Bill Status | Introduced on February 20, 2001. Referred to committee. |
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| Latest Action | After an initial reading in the House, it was referred to the Judiciary Committee. |
| Outlook | Unlikely to leave committee. The bill lacked the kind of support given to SB755. |
| INDIANA | HB 1042 |
| Bill Summary | Internet gambling prohibition.
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| Bill Status | Introduced Jan. 8, 2001. Referred to committee. |
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| Latest Action | Referred to Public Policy and Ethics and Veterans Affairs committee. |
| Outlook | Unlikely to leave committee. |
| IOWA | HF 13 |
| Bill Summary | This bill prohibits a person from using the Internet to conduct or participate in a lottery or in a game for any sum of money or property, to make a bet, to engage in bookmaking, or to deliver a wager for a fee. |
| Bill Status | Introduced on January 8, 2001, then sent to subcommittee. |
| Latest Action | On Jan. 24, HF 13 was sent to the House Standing Committee on State Government |
| Outlook | Unlikely to leave committee. The bill’s sponsor acknowledged that Iowa legislators were concerned about Internet gambling, thus killing any chance of the bill passing out of committee. |