Iowa Online Poker Bill to be Introduced Later This Month

The state of Iowa plans to introduce legislation later this month that looks to make online poker legal within its borders.

State Sen. Jeff Danielson, D-Cedar Falls, chairman of the Iowa Senate's State Government Committee, said he plans to introduce the bill this month.  Iowans, he claims, were spending close to $100 million outside the state on online poker.

"We essentially right now have a do-nothing policy by default," he said.

Iowa is among a handful of states considering Web poker within its borders following a US Justice Department policy change whereby The Wire Act will no longer be applied to poker, only sports betting.  The change of stance essentially resulted in a green light for individual states to opt for online poker regulation within their respective borders without fear of federal intrusion.  States like Iowa would likely consider a multi-state platform similar to the current Powerball lottery system. 

"We believe by the end of this year, you will see a handful of states continue to authorize it,” Danielson said in regard to legalized Internet poker.  “We believe you'll see very quickly multistate compacts."

Since the DOJ policy change states that are at least considering the legalization of online poker include Iowa, New Jersey, California, Connecticut, Maine, Ohio, Hawaii, Delaware, Massachusetts and Nevada, the later of which has already passed a measure into law and is currently reviewing operator applications for licensing.  Utah has already begun to look at possible opt-out options while Washington State currently makes playing poker online a Class C felony. 

- Ace King, Gambling911.com