With Revenue Down, Nevada Needs Online Gambling Legalization

Casinos in the state of Nevada have always been concerned that legalized online gambling could hurt their bottom line figures. Revenue that would normally come to the land-based casinos, would be going online.

That was the old way of thinking. The new way of thinking in the state is that Internet gambling regulation in the US could actually benefit Nevada and their casinos.

Several big gaming companies, including Harrah's Entertainment, have begun to prepare for legalized Internet gambling. If the US changes their online gaming laws, the first place they would look for guidance would be Nevada.

The state has had regulations in place for casinos that re among the toughest in the world. They understand how to license these casinos, a skill that will come in handy when the US comes calling. The regulatory system in Nevada has worked for decades, and would almost certainly be the model followed for Internet gambling.

Representative Barney Frank has proposed legislation this Spring that would legalize and regulate Internet gambling. The legislation has not yet been discussed by the full House because they have been focusing on the economic crisis in the US.

"Frank has said that he plans on moving forward with the legislation in the Fall, but it looks unlikely that will occur with many pressing issues in the country still up in the air," said observer Chris Drank, "the more likely scenario is that Congress will look at the online gambling sometime early next year."

Whenever the time comes, Nevada and their casinos will be ready. What was once the enemy has now become part of the solution. Online gambling is no longer a threat to Nevada casinos, it is a necessity that could save a floundering industry.

August 23, 2009
Posted By Larry Rutherford
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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