Yet another US state is seeking to legalize and regulate online poker. This time, Florida has been presented with the Internet Poker Consumer Protection and Revenue Generation Act of 2010. by State Rep. Joseph Abruzzo (D-Wellington). According to Abruzzo the bill could generate up to $200 million in revenue for the state in its first year, a sum that cannot be taken lightly – especially considering the financial position of most states today.
Joseph Abruzzo said that there are close to one million Floridians gambling at offshore sites and the bill would provide them with access to legalized, regulated sites to enjoy their poker and gambling pastimes.
Any poker operation wanting to offer its services to the state of Florida would need to be based in Florida and would be charged a $500K application fee to obtain a state license. Gross receipt tax to the tune of 20% would also be payable to the state.
According to the new bill its legislative intent is listed as: “To create a framework for the state to regulate intrastate internet poker sites that can ensure consumer protections and additional revenue to the state by authorizing, implementing and creating a licensing and regulatory structure and system of internet poker.”
The bill aims to:
* Ensure that intrastate poker is only offered for play in a manner that is lawful under the UIGEA.
* Provide a source of revenue to generate “additional economic benefits to the state”
* Create a contractual relationship with online poker operators to ensure that they are physically present in the state and offer their services to over 21 year olds.
* Provide a competitive procurement process to license poker rooms that meet predetermined standards.
* Ensure that the state can collect taxes and fees from these poker rooms.
* Create a system to protect the private information and financial transactions of registered poker players.
* Ensure complete transparency at intrastate poker rooms.
* Ensure top customer service to registered players.
* Ensure links to problem gambling support on all poker sites.
This is a reprint from compatiblepoker.com To view the original, click here.
