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Washington, D.C. will begin allowing poker players to play with real cash online beginning in September. There’s one catch. They’ll have to be in Washington, D.C. to play.
The District of Columbia is in the midst of rolling out the first legalized online poker room in the US. It will be overseen by the D.C. Lottery and is considered a precursor to other states such as California and Florida jumping into the fray. Nevada’s Governor signed a bill into law allowing Web poker in his state but the law only kicks into effect when similar legislation is passed on the federal level. Legalized Internet gambling is expected to generate millions of dollars in added tax revenues for local state economies.
Currently the District is hammering out ways to prevent collusion between players while reviewing other potential security concerns, including the prevention of minors and those outside DC from playing.
Congress did not object to the District’s efforts during its 30-day review period of the law, though legality issues remain unclear especially in light of recent federal crackdowns.
While it seems a little haphazard, premumbly poker players along the MidAtlantic Coast will be able to play online simply by visiting Washington DC from the comfort of their own hotel rooms or a public park (as opposed to a smoky casino). The convenience of playing in one's own living room might not be there but the online experience does have its benefits (i.e. other players can't see your facial expressions, etc..). Players may also be able to collect their funds much faster
- Chris Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
